PLANS to redevelop a popular Lake District beauty spot have been submitted by the National Trust.

The vision for Fell Foot Park, on the shores of the southern tip of Windermere, includes a watersports centre, glamping site, a new cafe and the refurbishment of the existing Grade II-listed boathouses.

Despite already being a major visitor attraction, the National Trust hopes improvements at the 55-acre estate will help better cater to the number of tourists and locals using the facilities.

Tori Dodd, Fell Foot Project Manager, of the National Trust: “Fell Foot is incredibly popular with visitors who come to enjoy the parkland and lake shore access – it’s one of the few places that families can bring young children for a paddle in Windermere.

"Generations have come to love it, but families tell us that they would like better facilities, such as improved toilets or the opportunity to try different watersports such as canoeing.

"It’s one of the Lake District’s favourite places, with over 180,000 visitors each year, mostly during the summer months, but with improved facilities, we think people will come to enjoy it throughout the year, which will have knock-on benefits for other local businesses," added Ms Dodd.

Proposals for the site involve developing a new main visitor access point near to the current entrance and two new public bus stops to serve transport routes up and down the A592.

The existing old clubhouse and shower block is planned to be removed to give way for a new watersports centre and sailing club while a new 40 metre Windermere Lakes Cruises jetty will provide a new base for a ferry.

The collection of Victorian Gothic boathouses will be brought back to life with ticket offices, public facilities and canoeing and swimming activities including use of the inlet for safe lessons.

A series of up 18 glamping decks will be constructed among the trees together with toilet and shower facilities close by.

"The historic boat houses now need investment to keep them safe and secure for the next 100 years, and that would mean we can site a new café nearer to the existing car park, to keep it out of the flood line and to take advantage of the wonderful views," said Ms Dodd. "We’ve had a lot of expressions of support and it’s pleasing that many people have contacted the planning authority to welcome the plans."

The application will be taken to the LDNPA's Development Control Committee in August.