Ellerdine Lakes Trout Fishery

Project Details

Client: Ellerdine Lakes
Sector: Commercial

The project

The owners of Ellerdine Lakes wanted to develop the business by adding shepherd huts along with parking and hook-ups for camper vans to give anglers and visitors overnight accommodation.

In addition, they wanted to create new fish rearing pools, so they could breed stock on site rather than have to bring new fish in from elsewhere.

The challenge

Bleazard & Galletta co-owner Martin Edwards secured planning permission for shepherd’s huts, utility connections, fish rearing pools, and a new drainage system that met building regulations.

The firm prepared planning applications with detailed site plans, liaised with ecological, drainage and archaeological consultants to satisfy planning and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) conditions, and coordinated with planners and building control to ensure the drainage system met capacity and environmental standards while preserving the lakes’ water quality.

The planning application emphasised how the huts enhanced visitor experience and met growing demand for overnight accommodation in this rural setting.

Martin developed a Protected Species Report and BNG proposal that delivered tangible environmental benefits including native tree planting to strengthen wildlife corridors, bat box installation, and habitat enhancements for the thriving bird population.

Archaeological experts were engaged to ensure excavation work for the pools would not disturb historical artefacts, satisfying planners’ requirements.

The outcome

The shepherd huts are now ready to book and proving a popular addition to the Ellerdine Lakes offer.

Planning permission was granted within four months of Bleazard & Galletta submitting the initial application and was achieved so smoothly thanks to the team’s years of experience in dealing with planning authorities.

The development blends seamlessly into the landscape, enhances the visitor experience and opens new revenue streams for the business.