Planning permission has been granted for a 'shepherd's hut' and hot tub holiday let built on green belt land in Wigan, which has already been operating for more than a year.
The structure at Belle Vue, Lowton, described by its owners as a 'resounding success', is marketed as 'a luxurious, romantic countryside retreat' for couples seeking 'peace, comfort, and a deep connection with nature'.
Retrospective application approved
Originally built without planning permission, the owner of The Hut at Belle Vue said it attracted 181 visitors in its first 12 months, including guests from as far away as New Zealand.
Wigan council's planning committee agreed with an officers' report that recommended approval despite the retrospective nature of the application. Planners said the impact on the green belt 'is considered to be minimal when weighed against its limited footprint, modest scale, and discreet location within a well-established landscaped setting'.
The committee voted 13 to one to approve the plans.
Retreat details and public response
The couple's retreat features an open plan double bedroom, living area, kitchen, and a separate shower room. A gazebo alongside provides sheltered cover for a hot tub.
The site is wholly within the green belt, in the grounds of a private home, and around 300 metres from Pennington Flash Nature Reserve.
The council received 45 representations about the plans: 26 in support and 19 against.
After the decision, proprietor Andy McKechnie explained why he applied retrospectively, saying: "This was a conscious decision, despite our full awareness of the significant risks of refusal which it carried and which we balanced with our confidence that not only would the accommodation attract visitors, but due to the sympathetic nature of the development and the manner in which it is managed, would hopefully succeed at a planning application."
He added: "To have made the application from the outset would not have enabled us to accurately predict the occupancy levels and therefore the viability of the project – and although confident that the venture would be a success, we were acutely aware that a level of proof of popularity would be necessary to get the application over the line."
McKechnie noted the venture has attracted 181 visitors over 12 months, including a couple from New Zealand and two from Kent, with most visitors exploring Pennington Flash and contributing to the local economy.
