A RANGE of barns on an historic farmstead could be converted to a ‘flexible educational space’ as part of a £2 million restoration programme by Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA).

ENPA wants to use the western range of barns on the Driver estate and also provide seven low-impact, semi-wild camping pitches, non-serviced short-term let visitor accommodation, toilet and shower facilities, and car parking.

The 800-acre hill farm on The Chains, west of Simonsbath, dates to about 1847 and is considered ‘highly significant’ to the heritage of the moor.

It is one of only about 15 ‘model farm’ groups from the mid-19th century on Exmoor, with buildings arranged around a traditional south-facing courtyard.

The restoration aims to set a new benchmark for the national park, demonstrating how sensitive, forward-thinking design can be a catalyst for positive change, directly supporting ENPA's strategic objectives.

Planning agent Cerys Dehaini, of Squirrels Architecture, Roadwater, said: “The core vision is to transform Driver into a destination that actively restores and enhances the ecological, cultural, and economic vitality of the site.”

She said as part of the plan the authority wanted to carry out a sensitive, adaptive re-use of the historic western range of farm buildings to create a flexible event and catering space, residential accommodation, and essential visitor amenities.

A ‘light-touch’ visitor parking area would be included, carefully screened and integrated into the landscape, and low-impact camping and day-use facilities to support affordable access and enjoyment of the national park.

Ms Dehaini said: “The provision of universally accessible facilities and low-impact camping will provide affordable opportunities for all to experience the national park.”

She said the project was a model for sustainable rural diversification and by creating new residential, event, and visitor facilities, it would support the rural economy, provide local employment, and offer opportunities for recreation and education which connect people with the landscape.