While the shoot business has been and continues to be successful, it is limited to five months of the year.

We believe we can create a thriving year-round business that is both compatible and proportionate to the area, providing a host of local benefits including increased employment, engagement with local suppliers, and greater footfall for local hospitality businesses.

This will ultimately allow us to continue investing in the local economy and the upkeep and protection of the environment, for the benefit of both people and nature.

Loyton will continue to operate as a shooting hospitality business during the shooting season (1st September to 31st January each year). Until such time as the shooting business changes it is anticipated that the new cabins will benefit from the highest occupation during the summer season, particularly Easter through to October half term.

The safari cabins will be available to book during the shooting season, but we envisage that this will mainly be additional shooting bookings on an ad hoc basis.

Our planning application is seeking permission to:

• Allow the siting of ten safari cabins.

• Convert existing barns to provide space for administration, grounds keeping, housekeeping facilities and visitors reception.

• Extend the existing clubhouse marquee.

• Create vehicular access ways.

• Construct 24 car parking spaces.

• Construct a natural swimming pond.

• All associated landscaping.

The Transport Statement and Travel Plan (TSTP), prepared by independent consultancy Bellamy Transport, assesses existing conditions, local highway network, and accessibility. It reviews transport-related features and likely impacts, utilising the TRICS database specifically for holiday accommodation traffic generation.

For Phase one, the TSTP forecasts minimal traffic movements during peak hours, with the busiest time generating only three movements.

For more information, visit our highways and access page.

GE Consulting conducted an ecological impact assessment for the proposed scheme. Further details can be found on our ecology and environment page.

The amount of lighting provided will be at an absolute minimum needed to satisfy guests’ requirements.

Low level LED lighting will light the pathways, which will only activate if movement is detected. This will help ensure that light pollution is kept to a minimum.

Each cabin has a large overhead canopy. This canopy is also designed to ensure minimal light pollution from cabins, with lighting directed down. Each cabin will be fitted with low energy efficient light bulbs. Lined and interlined curtains will be fitted to further reduce light infiltration.

Detailed plans have been set out in the Lighting Strategy, submitted to the Mid Devon District Council planning portal.

Each cabin will have electric heating as well as one log burner for supplementary heating, used seasonally. No gas bottles or LPG will be required.

Item Guests will follow Sat Nav which will bring them to Loyton via the Hukeley Cross route, and not via Morebath. The location of the car park is shown on the site masterplan. Electrical charging points will be located in the car park, for guests to utilise the eBikes.

Guests will park in the Loyton Lodge car park to check in and drop off bags. Concierge staff will then park guests’ vehicles into designated spaces. No parking is permitted next to any of the safari cabins.

Guests will be transported to their cabins in an electric golf-buggy-style UTV, via farm access tracks with a central grass strip.

During their stay guests would be able to utilise road-legal eBikes to access both the Clubhouse and the countryside on our doorstep.

Our plans include several features designed to keep noise from guests to a minimum. This includes limiting the number of guests in each cabin, spacing them throughout the site, and insulating both the walls and ceilings of each.

The existing clubhouse will be significantly improved, upgrading the walls and ceiling to include insulation.

It is proposed that foul flows from the individual safari cabins will be managed by dedicated Package Sewerage Treatment Plants (PSTP) serving a single cabin, with flows discharging either to ground following treatment, or watercourse depending on proximity. Each cabin will produce less than 2m3 per day and therefore it is expected that the treatment and discharge will fall under the General Binding Rules and not need a formal permit. The utility barns (detailed application) and wellness centre (outline application) will be served by a larger package sewerage treatment plant (upgrading the existing Lodge supply), and a detailed site survey prior to construction will be provided in this regard.

Local residents will be able to pre-book the dining and small event offerings planned. Seasonal events will be created which locals can book accordingly.

We plan to begin construction of the detailed application element of the scheme during the summer months, 2024. We envisage this will involve interior upgrades to the existing Lodge, followed by construction of the first 5 to 10 cabins and the clubhouse.

Initially our focus will be on creating the access paths, tracks, and parking areas, together with utility infrastructure. We envisage this first stage will take in the region of 12-18 months.