A caravan park could help to "put Biddulph Moor on the map", the site's owner has said after plans for a tourist shepherd hut were approved by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.

Biddulph Nub News reported recently how councillors approved plans to site a "tourist shepherd hut" type holiday let in Biddulph Moor, despite planning officers recommending that the application be refused.

A caravan park in Biddulph Moor is set to add a mobile shepherd's hut for couples' getaways, after plans were approved by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council earlier this month.

The Sky View caravan site, on Top Road, currently has five pitches for touring caravans and the new shepherd's hut will be positioned at the end of the row of hardstandings.

The plans follow an application which was approved in February for new vehicle access at the site, as well as the conversion and extension of existing outbuildings to create a holiday let and toilet facilities.

Owner Rob Whiston said: "I was happy it went through.

"Hopefully it'll be a good thing for the local community and economy, and help put Biddulph Moor on the map with other local tourist places."

Although a relatively modest addition, it's hoped the new shepherd's hut will bring a boost to nearby restaurants and pubs, and draw visitors to enjoy the countryside and other local amenities.

Sky View's website highlights nearby attractions including Biddulph Grange Country Park, Rudyard Lake, Manifold Valley, Churnet Valley Railway, Rode Hall, Little Morerton Hall, Trentham Gardens and Trentham Monkey Forest.

The aim is to have the new shepherds hut ready for next year's peak season, with Mr Whiston hopeful it could be hired out from early spring.

"We've got to prepare the ground and do some additional planting over the winter to get everything ready," he said.

"It's quite a luxurious design. It's only got one bedroom but it'll have a shower and a toilet, and a sink and cooking utilities, as well as a log burner – it'll have quite a rustic feel."

He added: "It'll be quite cosy, up in the hills, admiring the views with a few sheep roaming around."

The target market is couples looking for a quiet getaway, and people who wish to enjoy a caravan-style holiday but don't have a touring caravan of their own.

There were concerns that the new addition to the site might have an impact on the greenbelt, and planning officers had recommended the application for refusal.

There was a considerable debate among planning committee members, with councillors both mindful of supporting the local economy, whilst also wishing to preserve the appearance of the area's natural landscape.

Mr Whiston commented: "We hope it's not got a negative impact on the greenbelt, we don't think it's too exposed – it's not right on the skyline and we are going to screen it as well.

"We'll do it in keeping with the countryside so it'll be a nice location for people to get away, especially in these worrying times about going abroad."

The proposal was supported by Biddulph Town Council, and the committee voted to approve it with seven voting in favour, six against, and the chair abstaining.

Sky View offers panoramic views to the east and west over surrounding areas such as Leek, The Roaches, Wildboarclough, Macclesfield Forest, and the Cheshire Plain.

It's also home to a small flock of pedigree Shetland sheep which lamb around the beginning of April, and who are said to be friendly and enjoy being fed by hand.

Its tranquil setting offers the opportunity to see moorland birds such as skylarks, curlews, lapwings and partridges.