Planning permission is currently being sought for six holiday shepherd's huts that have already been built at Lympstone Manor.

A previous retrospective application made last year was withdrawn, with proposals changed slightly (one hut has since been moved and a safety boardwalk added after comments from the district council about the visual impact from the cycle path and flood safety concerns from the Environment Agency).

According to the planning documents, four of the six temporary timber huts are grouped around a pond - and therefore not placed at random - with the other two under trees.

It also said the "barely visible" huts, which are 300-350m from the hotel terrace, "expand the guest experience in providing remote and private accommodation".

The plans have received three objections from members of the public at the time of writing.

Concerns put forward include the "environmental sensitivity" of the area and an increase in traffic.

Caroline McAusland, objecting, said: "The area is wooded and should be peaceful and tranquil down by the estuary.

"Owls and various other species inhabit the area. The incumbents of the shepherd's huts naturally generate noise by virtue of occupancy and at night the area is illuminated.

"In addition, the huts have to be serviced with cleaning etc so there is a lot of to-ing and fro-ing. This is disruptive for the wildlife.

"The shepherd's huts will generate extra traffic along Courtlands Lane which is already very busy."

The application is currently awaiting a decision from the district council.

Click here to see the application.