Plans were submitted by Ms Rachel Streeter to Rother District Council regarding the two structures, which have already been installed at Harmony Cottage, Church Street, Bexhill.
The shepherd’s hut, located in the front garden, is used for holiday lets, while the yurt in the rear garden provides a peaceful wellbeing space.
According to the planning application, the shepherd’s hut is a non-permanent timber structure on wheels, designed to fit the Old Town style. It serves as a holiday let via Airbnb.
The yurt, set in the back garden, is described as a “classic structure”, and is used as a safe creative and therapeutic space.
It features a central chimney for a wood burner.
The shepherd’s hut in the front garden (Image: Samuel and Hamel) Both structures are positioned in a way that minimises visibility to neighbouring dwellings, according to the application.
The shepherd’s hut, due to its design and placement, is apparently visible to only a small number of neighbours.
The yurt, positioned next to trees, is said not to be visible from any other dwelling.
The application also highlights the financial necessity of these structures for Ms Streeter.
Her therapeutic income alone is not enough to cover household expenses, leading to the decision to build the shepherd’s hut for extra income.
Ms Streeter claims she was initially informed by the council that planning permission was not required for the temporary structure, a piece of information that has since been corrected.
The financial strain has continued for Ms Streeter due to the rising cost of living, the extra support required for her daughter, and the inconsistency of holiday lets and therapeutic clients.
The yurt is used for creative and therapeutic purposes (Image: Samuel and Hamel) This prompted her to expand her therapeutic business by constructing the yurt in the back garden, the application says.
The yurt is used to hold support groups and short courses for up to ten people on an ad hoc basis.
To avoid causing inconvenience in the neighbourhood, participants are encouraged to use the Manor Barn car park in De La Warr Road.
Part of the yurt’s purpose is to offer a peaceful wellbeing space to the community, which is advertised on Ms Streeter’s website for local groups.
The application contends that both the shepherd’s hut and yurt, due to their attractive design and discreet positioning, have minimal impact on their surroundings.
Moreover, the application argues the structures play a crucial role in the lifestyle and financial wellbeing of the family, as well as providing benefits to the wider public.
The plans are under consideration by Rother District Council, and can be viewed using the reference RR/2025/967/P.
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