PLANS for eight camper van spaces in Warwick on Eden, near Carlisle, have been submitted to Cumberland Council.

The planning application is for a site at Warwick Hall and it would be from April 1 to September 30 each year.

It is part retrospective and for a temporary period of six years – as well as the spaces the application also requests permission for an access track with camper vans on site.

A planning report states Warwick Hall is a country house B&B around 275m to the north of the A69 via a gateway and associated lodge, and west of the River Eden.

It adds: "The drive also leads to the associated stable block, gamekeeper’s cottage – known as Hill Crest – and the Walled Garden.

"The application site, that part comprises an existing hardstanding for five camper van spaces and associated track, is to the north of the stable block and west of a tennis court part of the hall. Warwick Hall and its associated lodge and stable block are all Grade II Listed buildings."

According to the listing entry Warwick Hall has red sandstone ashlar walls, was the ancient seat of the Warwick family which was rebuilt in 1794 and 1828 and was totally destroyed by fire on September 30, 1933.

The report states that the proposed use would be an alternative to that of a certified Camping Club Touring Site. It adds: "The foul waste associated with the use of the camper vans is to utilise an Elsan toilet block within the stable block building.

"The access tracks and parking are to be self-draining with gravel on filter fabric base. The intention is for the site to be managed by the gamekeeper resident at Hill Crest.

"Warwick Hall is run as a country house B&B with income for the estate generated from farming and fishing. Horse events no longer take place with income from fishing declining and the single farm payments now ceasing.

"In order to help support the upkeep of the estate/designated heritage assets, the applicant is needing to diversify into another potential source of income."

The report concludes: "It is considered that proposal is acceptable in terms of design and appearance and of an appropriate scale and nature to the character and function of the location of the site, and would maintain local distinctiveness, sense of place and tranquillity.

"In overall terms, the harm caused by the proposal to the designated heritage assets at Warwick Hall and within its immediate vicinity will be neutral/less than substantial leaving significance undiminished.

"In relation to flood risk, the proposed development, which is temporary and seasonal, would be safe and that it would not be at an unacceptable risk of flooding or exacerbate flood risk elsewhere."

It adds: "Overall, it is considered that the associated recognised public benefits of the proposal outweigh that harm; and that it represents sustainable development in accordance with the NPPF and the policies of the Carlisle District Local Plan 2015-2030."