A NEW glamping site could be built near a busy Somerset railway line if plans are approved.

Artist Mark Warren currently rents out the Shepherd’s Hut, within Elm View Farm in Brent Knoll, to holidaymakers through AirBnB.

To cope with rising demand, Mr Warren has applied to provide a dozen glamping pitches on fields off Middle Street, as well as a yurt, sculpture trail and up to 100 solar panels.

Sedgemoor District Council is expected to make a decision on the plans before the end of the year.

The proposed camp site lies on the eastern side of the Bristol to Exeter mainline, which is served by both Great Western Railway (GWR) and CrossCountry services.

Access to the site will be from Middle Street on the eastern side of the line, a few hundred years from Mr Warren’s farm.

A spokesman for Mr Warren said: “The Shepherd’s Hut is very popular and many bookings are turned away.

“Many guests have asked if there is any potential to expand the facilities as they have friends who would like to enjoy the experience.

“One of the big attractions to guests is the abundant wildlife that has been attracted to both Elm View and to the field by the efforts of the applicants – as well as the stargazing opportunities.”

To cope with the additional demand, Mr Warren has applied to create 12 glamping pitches on the field, along with a communal yurt in the centre where pilates classes can be held.

A nature and sculpture trail will be created near the pitches, allowing Mr Warren and other local artists to display their creations to pedestrians and cyclists.

The site will also include a birdwatching hide near the existing pond, a wildflower meadow with native hedgerows at its edge, and between 80 and 100 solar panels to provide power to the whole site, reducing the need for bottled gas.

Mr Warren’s spokesman added: “Our guests are encourage to make use of local facilities and to shop locally, and this will form part of the management plan for the expanded business.

“The income generated will allow further planting and improvement of the site to increase the biodiversity, and thus make more interaction between guests and wildlife.”