The development application for the first phase of The Lodge at Bridestowe Estate was submitted to the Dorset Council just before Christmas, said estate managing director Robert Ravens.

The accommodation development was first announced in April 2017.

The first stage of the development of The Lodge would consist of 50 luxury units on a property adjoining the farm with an overriding emphasis on quality and environmental sustainability.

The joint venture was between Mr Ravens and Australia Travel and Culture Group, based in Sydney.

Mr Ravens said over the past six months, Bridestowe had worked with Launceston’s Birrelli Architects, partners, stakeholders, and the Dorset Council to ensure the world-class project met environmental, social, and financial sustainability standards.

“It’s thoughtful and it’s environmentally friendly and it’s luxury – it’s all the things we specified,” he said.

“It has all of those wonderful values going for it, so at this moment in time we’re thrilled.”

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He said assuming the development was approved with minimal changes required, they would have meetings with potential partners and investors in the following months.

Negotiations would also take place with Crown Land services.

“There’s a process to go through which takes time, but we will be trying to move through it as quickly as we can,” Mr Ravens said.

“Everybody says they want it to happen, so let’s make it happen.

“We’re super positive.”

Mr Ravens said he was proud of the proposal, and of the opportunity to create much-needed infrastructure in the state’s North-East.

While the estate’s lavender is in bloom, thousands are attracted to the region.

On December 26, the estate welcomed more than 2200 visitors to the site. 

Mr Ravens expected visitor numbers to exceed 85,000 for the financial year.