A planning application asking for permission to retain one of the 'shepherd huts' at a previously refused caravan site near Knypersley Reservoir has been approved.

We reported back in October how a planning application to site 11 caravans and four "shepherd hut" camping pods at a farm located next door to Knypersley Reservoir was given the thumbs down by the district council.

The plans, submitted by a Mr Mark Hall, related to a site at Knypersley Mill Farm on Judgefield Lane, which overlooks the reservoir. The application aimed to turn part of the farm into a campsite including the caravans and camping pods.

But the district council's planning officers refused the application, on the grounds that it would have represented inappropriate development in the Green Belt.

However, a new application was later submitted, asking for permission to site only one shepherd hut on the site.

This latest application was approved by the Staffordshire Moorlands District Council this week.

A statement prepared as part of the application discussed the circumstances of the previous refused caravan site plans.

It said: "In the previous application, consent was sought to increase this use to 11 Caravans; the Case Officer was under the opinion that this was a Change of Use to the land, and this was not acceptable because of the impact on the 'openness of the Green Belt'. As result, this application was refused. This increase in numbers to the Caravan site has been omitted from the resubmission and it is hoped that this will make the revised proposals acceptable."

It added: "In the previously submitted application, consent was also sought for 4 No. of Shepherd's Huts. The new proposals seek consent for a single Shepherd's Hut. This will be located within a cluster of existing barns and farm buildings, on a low-lying area of land, below the crest of the hill. The Shepherd's Hut is currently in-situ and as result, this application is for retrospective permission. All other Shepherd's Huts have been removed from the site and are sold."

Arguing for the new plans to be approved, it said: "The revised proposals at Knypersley Mill Farm are modest in scale and size. The proposals are appropriately sited such that they do not impact the wider site. The colour used on the proposal helps it to blend into its surroundings and there is no reduction in 'openness'.

"By allowing this building to remain in-situ this will help to secure a modest income stream from holidaymakers and guests of the applicant. This is necessary to allow the applicant to continue to upkeep the existing facilities at Knypersley Mill Farm."

Approving the plans, a report by the district council's planning officers said: "The applicant has stationed a small timber shepherds hut style trailer to the end of his outbuildings that run behind his dwelling. The shepherd hut is used as holiday accommodation for guests. A planning permission is sought to regularise this situation.

"The stationing and proposed use of the Shepherds Hut would not be inappropriate in the Green Belt and it would not harm the character and appearance of the area or the quality of the landscape character."