Can I Put a Shepherd’s Hut on My Farm?

If you’re the owner of an area of beautiful farmland, you may be thinking about placing a shepherd’s hut on it. This could be for family and friends to enjoy, or perhaps you plan to rent it out to holidaygoers looking for a stunning and scenic place to stay.

If you are looking to buy a shepherd’s hut for your agricultural land, there are a few things you’ll need to consider first. In this post, we’ll talk about the different purposes for a shepherd’s hut on farmland, what you’ll need to think about before purchasing your hut, and other important factors worth remembering.

What is the shepherd’s hut for?

Let’s first look at the different reasons you might put a hut on your land and what you’ll need to consider.

Agricultural use

If the hut is for agricultural use and is moveable (temporary), such as a place of rest for farmers during lambing season, just as the very first shepherd’s hut was built for, it’s highly unlikely you’ll need to plan further. It’s rare that this purpose requires planning permission, although it’s always worth checking with local authorities first. The only thing you’ll need to consider is whether or not you want your hut hooked up to utilities, and whether you’ll require insurance.

Personal use

If you’re using the hut for personal purposes, such as a cosy spot away from your home or a place for family and friends to stay when they visit, you will likely not need planning permission. If you own the land, building a hut for personal use typically requires little involvement from local authorities. We would advise checking regardless, however, and looking into any insurance you’d like to cover potential damages.

Rental use

If you plan to rent the hut out to the public for holiday letting, you will need planning permission to do so. Contact local authorities and find out exactly what is needed before you buy your shepherd’s hut, just in case, as you will likely need to register your business. There may also be additional tax or regulations you’ll need to comply with. 

If you only plan to rent it out for a short period, perhaps during a quiet month, then consider looking into the 28-day exemption. This allows any land owner to use their land for almost any purpose for up to 28 days without notifying anyone. If you have a shepherd’s hut on your farmland for personal use, you could rent it out to visitors for up to 28 days. Contact your local authority to learn if this applies to you and your land.

Is your farmland a protected land area?

Sometimes overlooked but incredibly important is whether your land is protected. As the land owner, you will know if your land is protected by any government policies, designated protected areas, or planning regulations. It is essential that you contact the relevant authorities to discuss a shepherd’s hut with them, as there may be limitations, no matter the hut’s purpose.

Will your hut require utilities?

Another thing to think about when planning is whether you’ll need utilities. If you want power, water, and plumbing, your hut will need to be connected to the appropriate lines and services. We would recommend professional help with this to ensure the work complies with safety standards.

If connecting to utilities isn’t an option or if you’d prefer a more self-sufficient setup, you might want to consider an off-grid hut. Off-grid options can provide all the necessary amenities without relying on public services. At Black Sheep, we offer our Herdwick Off Grid package which can be applied to any of our four beautiful shepherd’s hut designs. 

The Herdwick package includes:

• Solar panels and a battery backup for power 
• An LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) hob, oven, and instant water heater 
• A composting toilet or alternative waste solutions 
• The option of woodburners, gas fires, and hot air systems

Why should you place a hut on your farm?

If you have the space, resources, and time, a shepherd’s hut on your farm can be an incredible opportunity for guests, and a chance for you to bring in a second income. The UK’s farmlands are truly stunning, and the ideal destination for so many city dwellers. Providing a quiet space to wake up to the sound of birdsong and the promise of acres of peaceful nature just outside their door is the dream for much of the population. Norfolk and Suffolk are particularly ideal locations, as they boast some of the country’s most incredible farmland. 

Luxury huts from Black Sheep

Thinking about adding a shepherd’s hut to your farm? Whether it’s for work, guests, or holiday rentals, it’s a great way to make use of your land space. Start with one of our four classic designs and customise it to match your style. From choosing the perfect paint finishes to adding optional extras to enhance the experience, there’s plenty of room to make it your own.

Take a look at our hut models to get a feel for what’s possible. If you’d like to explore options or get an idea of costs, our custom quote builder can guide you through the choices. If you have any questions along the way, we’re here to help. Call us on 07789 778699 or send us an email at sales@blacksheepshepherdhuts.co.uk to talk to the team.