PLANNING permission is being sought to allow a two-bedroom West Somerset static caravan to be used for Airbnb accommodation.

The caravan was installed on a concrete hardstanding in Manor Farm, Sampford Brett, in May, 2021, after an old lean-to tin-covered barn used for storing logs and basic farm equipment was removed because beams were rotten and in danger of collapsing.

Mrs Vere Kennett said she wanted to let the 40 feet by 10 feet caravan, named Foxgloves, through Airbnb for six months of the year from April to September.

She said: “We have used it for family and friends to stay, we only advertise through Airbnb.”

Mrs Kennet explained in a heritage statement how the 19th century farm had been modified over time to suit changing lifestyles as modern Victorian Britain emerged with the invention of electricity and heating.

She said: “The farmhouse was further renovated in 2006 to make it more comfortable as a family home, and suitable for living in the 21st century.

“Over the years as the farm has grown and evolved the buildings have been changed to accommodate modern farming techniques, house animals and store grain, hay, and straw.”

Mrs Kennett said the farm was accessed from an unnamed public road coming out of Sampford Brett and guests would then turn between two barns to reach Foxgloves.

She said it was originally intended to sell the caravan back to the supplier, but the business folded during the Covid lockdowns and the family found themselves with ‘a static caravan and no use for it’ until friends suggested trying Airbnb.

Mrs Kennett said it had been so difficult to have the caravan installed in the first place because of the tight access that it would now not be possible to remove it.

If planning permission was refused, she would have to dismantle it and recycle and re-sell as many parts as she could before disposing of the remainder as required by law.

Somerset Council wants to hear any public comments on the plans by August 22 and has set a September 17 target to determine the application.