Sussex farm’s glamping site plan due to inheritance tax

Binsted Farm has submitted a proposal to Arun District Council to set up six glamping pods on 0.7 hectares of land behind The Black Horse pub, near Walberton, West Sussex.

The site is currently used for equestrian grazing and is part of the 280-hectare arable farm, which has been in operation since 1957.

READ MORE: Customers queue for hours for bakery’s legendary hot cross buns

The planning application outlines the growing reliance of farms on alternative income sources due to recent changes affecting the farming industry.

These changes include price fluctuations, unpredictable weather, shifting agricultural policies and market changes.

The application also highlights the impact of recent changes to inheritance tax rules, which have further pressured the business to diversify.

The lodges would be situated behind The Black Horse pub, seen on the left here (Image: Google) The application says: “Like many farms, Binsted Farm has become increasingly reliant on alternative income streams to supplement farming income.

“The business has already introduced some forms of diversification, including renewable energy generation and the leasing of land for use as a golf course.

READ NEXT: Football stadium revamp to go ahead

“Recent changes affecting the farming industry have, however, led to a need for further diversification.

“Price fluctuations, unpredictable weather conditions, changes in inheritance tax rules, shifting agricultural policies and market changes mean the business needs to find a further additional income stream to help protect its future.”

Drawings of the proposed ‘shepherd hut’ lodges (Image: Simon Harvey Designs) Farm estates have traditionally been exempt from inheritance tax. However, it was announced in the Autumn 2024 Budget that agricultural estates valued above £1m would be subject to inheritance tax, starting in April 2026.

The application also details the trend towards domestic tourism and the increase in staycations, which the farm hopes to capitalise on with its proposed glamping site.

READ NEXT: New Ikea store takes step forward as latest plans receive approval

The farm has been in talks with a local company about glamping options for the land.

Each of the proposed six lodges would be in the form of shepherd’s huts, offering either one or two bedrooms, and each with a veranda.

The lodges, each measuring approximately 9m x 6m, would be available for booking all year round.

The land for the proposed lodges, seen here, is owned by Binsted Farm (Image: Google) So far, the proposal has received seven letters of support, all from local business owners who welcome the potential for more tourism in the area.

One business owner said: “I support this business and think it would be great to have in this area, especially for the local events we have in this community.

“I have spoken with the applicants and would love to partner with them, as I think it would be very beneficial and a great opportunity.”