Reinventing Poplar Farm: Creating a new Lincolnshire Airsoft Venue | Full Planning Permission Secured
Supporting rural diversification with successful leisure development planning
Planning permission secured to transform redundant farm buildings into a unique leisure attraction
We’re delighted to confirm that two planning permissions have been successfully granted for an exciting new rural leisure experience near Lincoln. These approvals not only enable the continued expansion of the Lincolnshire Airsoft Club, but also unlock a valuable farm diversification opportunity for the landowners by bringing unused agricultural buildings and farmland back into productive use.
The permissions also resolve and overcome two previously issued enforcement stop notices, giving the landowners complete clarity and confidence to move forward.
With strong backing from North Kesteven District Council’s Planning Committee, the project represents a major step in the regeneration of redundant farmland. The development will create a high-quality, year-round visitor attraction that supports the local rural economy and makes excellent use of underutilised farm assets.
Conversion of Former Piggery Buildings into Indoor Combat Zone
The first planning consent authorises the conversion of several former piggery buildings at Washingborough, just outside Lincoln, into a purpose-built enclosed airsoft combat zone. This innovative reuse of outdated agricultural structures provides the landowners with a sustainable new income stream while delivering a challenging and immersive experience for club members and visitors.
Approval for a Unique Trench and Woodland Combat Area
The second planning permission allows the creation of a one-of-a-kind trench and woodland battlescape, designed to replicate authentic terrain and provide a truly distinctive activity zone. Already attracting interest from living-history enthusiasts and re-enactment groups from across Europe, this feature promises to become a standout attraction within the UK’s outdoor leisure sector.
Using Planning to Deliver Farm Diversification
This rural leisure project delivers significant ecological and economic benefits, including extensive new tree planting and landscape enhancements. For the landowners, the development represents a major step in farm diversification, turning redundant buildings and unused land into a sustainable new income stream while supporting local rural businesses and strengthening the visitor economy.
Fytche-Taylor Planning provided full design and planning consultancy services across both applications over a 13-month period. Our work included all planning drawings and site layouts, preparation of Planning and Design & Access Statements, management of specialist technical advisors, and strategic advice on enforcement matters and the business case. The result is a fully approved leisure attraction that benefits the landowners, the community, and visitors alike.
