Cauldronlea Farm Diversification
Location: Cauldronlea Farm, Eaglesfield, Dumfries and Galloway
Approval Type: Full Planning Application
Outcome: Approved with Conditions
Planning Authority: Dumfries and Galloway Council
Date Approved: July 2024
Background
Cauldronlea Farm is a working livestock and equestrian farm near Eaglesfield. The owner sought to diversify farm income to fund essential infrastructure improvements, including drainage upgrades, fencing repairs, and woodland management. With no existing buildings suitable for conversion, the proposal aimed to create modest tourist accommodation that complements the rural setting.
The Proposal
The application proposed the siting of a single holiday accommodation unit, constructed from recycled shipping containers, with timber cladding and dark grey UPVC windows. The unit measures approximately 8.3m by 4.9m with a maximum height of 2.9m. Designed for minimal environmental impact, the structure is installed on screw-pile foundations with a buried drainage system connected to a new septic tank and soakaway. Additional tree planting around the site was proposed to enhance screening and biodiversity.
Our Approach
Greenfinch prepared a detailed Planning, Design, and Access Statement addressing both national and local policy frameworks. The submission demonstrated:
Compliance with rural diversification and sustainable tourism policies (LDP2 Policies ED2, ED9; NPF4 Policies 29, 30)
Sensitive siting and design ensuring limited visual and landscape impact (LDP2 OP2; NPF4 Policy 14)
Use of recycled materials and modular construction methods to minimise carbon emissions
Enhancement of local landscape character through extensive new tree planting
Appropriate access, parking, drainage, and servicing solutions for the rural location
The proposal was also supported by habitat, archaeology, drainage, and visibility assessments to fully address all potential site constraints.
The Outcome
The application was approved under delegated powers with no objections from consultees or the public. Standard conditions were attached controlling holiday use, removal if redundant, and delivery of the landscaping scheme.
Key Successes:
Sustainable farm diversification delivering new income opportunities
Environmentally sensitive design with minimal landscape intrusion
Policy-compliant solution fully aligned with local and national planning objectives
Efficient approval with robust supporting evidence and no objections
This project highlights how well-designed small-scale rural tourism developments can successfully support farm businesses while enhancing local landscape character and contributing to sustainable rural economies
