A PLANNING application has been submitted for permission to install two new camping pods at Jill's Tea Rooms and Catering in Catton.

Owner Jill Wilkinson has applied to Northumberland County Council for permission to erect two camping pods, along with associated ground works, including access track, vehicle access to highway, drainage and installation of 24 ground mounted solar panels.

Each pod would have a shower, WC, and a small kitchen area.

They will be finished in stained timber boarding with a timber door and windows.

A design and access statement submitted alongside the application states: "Jill's Tea Rooms and Catering is now a well established and thriving local business, the addition of two camping pods at the site seems like a natural progression to the Tea Rooms which is favoured by magnificent south facing views over the East Allen valley."

Jill initially set out in business 11 years ago, cooking meals in her home kitchen and delivering them in a van refurbished by her dad.

She went on to open her current premises, which was built initially as a commercial kitchen with garage space, before converting part of it into a cafe.

For more information on the application, search the reference number 21/02894/FUL on the county council's planning portal.