Groundwork has started in preparation for the placing of five shepherd's huts in the village of Gittisham.

The huts will be located in the grounds of The Pig, which recently won an award for Best Small Hotel at the Devon Tourism Awards. 

Each hut will accommodate two people and will be 8m long. 

The timber-clad cabins will have a wood-burning stove, a decking area, an outdoor shower, separate outdoor bath, double bed and inside bath and separate shower. 

Five car-parking spaces will also be built, as well as a 'plant room', which will supply services to the huts. 

The Pig leases land from the Combe Estate, which owns much of the fields in and around Gittisham. 

The huts are being placed in the grounds of Curlditch House, a large property of mediaeval origin. The house has three guest cottages that are used in conjunction with the main hotel. 

Ex-prime minister Boris Johnson stayed in the cottages when he visited Devon before the Honiton and Tiverton by-election.

The development does not sit within a heritage or conservation area, although it is located very close to one. 

According to the architect's plans, the huts will not require foundation work and will provide a 'a positive addition to the existing hotel which has been carefully considered in relation to local planning guidance.' 

The huts were given the green light despite objections from Gittisham Parish Council on grounds of disturbances to the setting of Curlditch House and its historic walled garden, light pollution, increased traffic and concerns over heating the huts in winter. 

Local residents also argued that the huts were not appropriate for the setting for Gittisham, would increase traffic and would be seen and heard from neighbouring properties. 

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