A bid to expand a holiday let on the Blackdown Hills has been given the thumbs up by planners.

Since 2018, Magpies Barn in Churchstanton has provided a 'niche' getaway for holidaymakers in a caravan nestled away in the countryside.

Clare Barr, who runs the business, has now been given the go-ahead to expand the site to include a further two 'vintage caravans', shelters and a 'geo-dome'.

The 1.65 hectare site lies within the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and has belonged to Ms Barr since she purchased it in 2013. For the past decade it has largely been put to use for the rearing of animals and growing of vegetables in its use as a smallholding.

Now some of that space is set to house two more permanent vintage style touring caravans, contained in an external structure housing bathroom and shower facilities.

It will be accompanied by a geo-dome, six metres in diameter, a timber-framed glass hemisphere which will be put to use as a yoga room.

In a submission to planners, Clive Miller development consultants said the proposals would spell a boost for the local economy. They said:

"In terms of wider benefits, the proposed development would support the provision of employment, including through direct employees at the site and also indirectly, through supporting the supply chain. The existing business takes care to source as many supplies as possible from the local area.

"In addition to spend at the site itself, guests would use the accommodation as a convenient base to explore the local area, services, facilities and visitor attractions. The site has excellent access to the main roads throughout the Blackdown Hills, as well as being in close vicinity to the network of public footpaths and bridleways in the area and so it is well placed in terms of accessibility. Local visitor spend would make a contribution to the economy and give support to existing services within the community."

The case was accepted by Somerset Council who approved the expansion plans in late December.