Opinions are fiercely divided over the prospect of new glamping pods being built in Cheshire, with concerns being raised over traffic and the presence of protected wildlife.

An application to change the use of land at Moss Cottage, Patmos Lane, Lower Peover, to accommodate six timber glamping pods, reception building and parking have been submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council.

A previous application which also included hook-ups for 10 caravans or motorhomes, was withdrawn earlier this year after it received numerous objections from neighbouring residents.

But some local businesses have voiced support for the new proposals, including the landlord and owner of the Bells of Peover pub, quoted in a submitted planning statement, he said: "I am just writing to say how excited I am to hear of the proposed plans.

"The idea of having this type of accommodation in the local vicinity would stimulate more business for local existing establishments such as mine, the nursery, the cafes and surrounding villages and towns like Holmes Chapel, Knutsford and Northwich etc."

But several objections have been registered on Cheshire West and Cheshire Council’s planning portal, including from Cheshire Wildlife Trust and local residents.

A letter from the trust said it had been alerted to certain bird species such as lapwing, reed bunting, yellowhammer, bullfinch in the area and that all are protected species.

It added: “We object on these grounds, and both a breeding bird report as well as a wintering bird report should be produced and provided to establish which populations and species are present at this site; this will determine whether avoidance, mitigation, and compensation strategies should be implemented for this development."

In another objection, a local resident, said: “My dwelling on Patmos Lane is situated on a blind bend, which sometimes poses danger to me and to other road users. This danger increases in direct proportion to the increase in car traffic on the lane entailed by the development."

Another resident, added: “The application states people will be able to arrive via train, there is is no suitable route for people to take due to the lack to pavements.

"Also, the roads around the area are not developed enough to withhold extra vehicles they also have no passing areas, grass verges. There will also be an increase of noise in the area which will effect the local residents."

But a planning report submitted in support for the scheme, said: “The site is suitable for tourist accommodation. It is policy compliant with the development plan.

"The scheme would be supported by those policies that seek to support the rural economy, having regard to accessibility and the links with local shops, services, facilities and employment."

The proposals can be viewed on the council's online planning portal under the reference number: 23/03728/FUL.