PLANS to diversify farmland by implementing six new pods for holiday use have been submitted for approval.

Mr Ian Wilson is hoping to bring in more income for Low Flan Farm as well as bringing in more tourism income for the area.

The proximity of the Town Bank Road site to the Lake District and the Furness coast will ensure that the project will be of interest to people from the UK and overseas, according to the applicant.

The farm comprises of 29 hectares of land around the farm buildings. Stocking is 35-40 breeding cattle and beef stock. There is a also flock of 95-100 breeding ewes raising 100-130 lambs.

The Design and Access statement said: "The area is elevated but will be well screened with native hardwoods and fruit trees, together with native hedgerow planting.

“It is proposed to provide only one parking space to each pod as it is anticipated that visitors will be small family groups or couples travelling together.

“For occasional visitors arriving in two cars, sensible parking on the grass will be possible. In addition to the pods there will be a small timber framed slate roofed building housing recycling and domestic waste bins.

“This will be managed and cleared by the owners/managers in liaison with SLDC refuse collections.

“It is intended to have the pod lettings all year due to the accessibility and popularity of the area with tourists.”

The applicant also believes that nature enthusiasts will be keen on visiting the area due to the abundance of wildlife.

"The site area lends itself to the provision of bug hotels and beehives which will complement the tree, hedge and meadow planting. This will ensure that many insects and birds will be attracted to and thrive in the area," a report said.

"The hives will only be in the new orchard away from the main site to ensure that they are not tampered with by guests and will only be maintained and operated by properly experienced apiarists/beekeepers. Honey will be available if plentiful to the owners, guests and visitors."

No decision has yet been made on the application by the South Lakeland District Council Planning Committee.