A listed wedding venue Capheaton Hall is seeking permission to convert a boathouse within its grounds into a “glamping” venue.

Owner William Browne-Swinburne has applied to Northumberland County Council to convert the redundant boathouse.

Subject to approval, they plan to add a small extension.

Documents supplied to the council from the owner claim: “The Boathouse offers a great opportunity to enhance the economy in this very rural part of Northumberland. Furthermore, it brings an opportunity for more people to enjoy access to a place which, until now, has been entirely private”.

The application claims that there have been no public objections yet as “the boathouse cannot be seen from the village except by one or two properties which overlook Sir Edward’s Lake from some distance”.

The design statement provided said they intend “to create a luxury but rustic romantic interior with rudimentary cooking facilities, a bedroom in the eaves served by a ladder and a sitting and dining area”.

The proposed boathouse conversion will be marketed through Canopy and Stars, a renowned, upmarket glamping agency.

An ecological survey has been commissioned by the applicant and advice is being sought to help improve the bat habitat.

The preservation of the ecology of the area, west of Morpeth, was cited as key given diverse wildlife will be a major selling point of the venture.

According to a heritage statement provided to the council, the boathouse was constructed by Sir John Swinburne in 1905. It replaced a “form of temple” that dated back to 1790.

A decision has yet to be reached or scheduled by the local authority.

Capheaton Hall currently has five properties which guests can stay in.

The reference number for the application is: 21/00155/LBC.