PLANS have been submitted to create glamping pods at a fishery in Cheshire.

Mark Elliott is seeking planning permission from Cheshire West and Chester Council to build four pods at the Springpool Fisheries site in Higher Whitley, not far from Northwich.

The proposal also includes the creation of a night security office at the site, which will also result in a new job.

Mr Elliott hopes the plan will attract more tourists to the area and provide more custom for local businesses and other facilities.

In a statement submitted to the council, Mr Elliott said: "Glamping pods around the UK are a growing option and are attractive partly because they are cheaper than staying in hotels but also allow people to feel closer to nature while giving more comfort than the traditional tent.

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"Springpool Fisheries offers an ideal location for four such pods. The site is already used by and would continue to be used by local fishermen, many of whom fish overnight.

"The fishermen have caused no issues in terms of noise or local access on roads and the erection and use of four glamping pods would add very little traffic to the local roads and the fishermen themselves would police any noise issues, for very practical reasons.

"All structures would be compliant with any and all planning requirements and where feasible using environmentally friendly materials.

"The site already benefits from electricity, mains water, toilet and shower facilities with disabled access and a bio-disc water treatment plant.

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"Any excess water from the pods and shower block will be processed through the treatment plant and discharged into a purpose built soak away.

"The intention is also to enhance the existing toilet block and shower cubicle as facilities for the glamping pods."

Mr Elliott expects the outlay for the project to be around £50,000.

The statement added: "An overnight stay would be charged at somewhere between £60 and £100 depending on the day of the week, number of nights and time of year.

"I expect occupancy to be lighter in winter months, although the attractions of the local area and the North West in general are not weather dependent and many people like to 'get away' just for a couple of days whatever the time of year."

To view and comment on the plans, use reference 21/01257/FUL on the council's online planning portal.