A NEW campsite catering for motorhomes and tents could soon be created in Northwich.

A planning application has been submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council seeking permission to change the use of a fenced paddock in Lostock Gralam.

Should planning permission be granted, the new campsite - on land behind 226 to 264 Manchester Road - would house up to 10 motorhomes and touring caravans as well as five tent pitches.

An existing pond on the land would also be brought into use and opened to the public for fishing all year round.

A design and access statement, prepared by Briarcroft Projects on behalf of the applicant, said the campsite would operate from June 1 to August 31.

It added: "The site is being used as a fenced paddock although the pond is not in use.

"It is well screened by hedges to the north, east and southern boundaries. Ornamental planting and or hedging will be provided to screen the current vehicle yard from the site.

"The caravan and motorhome plots will be serviced with both water and electric points.

"A mobile combined shower and toilet block will be provided as will a portable office unit. There will be no permanent structures provided on site.

"The existing pond will be open to the public for fishing all year round with numbers being controlled by a pre-booking system. Environment rod licenses will be required as will a variety of conservation rules such as the use of barbless hooks.

"There are plenty of visitor attractions in the area such as Delamere Forest and Marbury Country Park and with staycations becoming more popular additional camp sites are needed.

"Should the application be approved the applicant will apply for a caravan sites license prior to opening and take out the necessary insurance etc."

According to the plans a children's play area will also be constructed on the site, which is on the bus route into Northwich town centre and is within walking distance of local amenities and shops.

For more details on the plans, search reference 22/02387/FUL on the council's online planning portal.