A HOLIDAY park near Keswick has lodged a proposal to provide extra pitches and access tracks to extend and improve its offering.

Castlerigg Farm Camping and Caravan Site is the subject of a planning application to the Lake District National Park Authority to provide an extra 36 extra hardstanding pitches with electricity supply to enhance its ‘Covid recovery strategy’.

The proposal, which relates to the grass field to the north east of the site which is currently used for 'short-term pitches', includes increased planting for landscaping and biodiversity.

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The design and access statement submitted with the application outlines why the new hardstanding pictures are needed by the site.

It says: "The recent Covid pandemic put a great strain on camping sites in the Lake District due to forced closure and rapid cost increases, and while Castlerigg has emerged from this period trading strongly the proposed enhancement to facilities will greatly assist the recovery process.

"While the (current) grass area is well drained, the extent of potential use can be restricted by wet ground conditions and therefore the establishment of hard standings with access tracks will extend the use of the field and the visitor experience."

The proposal is currently under consideration by the LDNPA.