SEVEN camping pods planned for a 20-acre caravan site near Coniston Water met with approval by Lake District National Park Authority planners.

Coniston Park Coppice Caravan Site, at Park Gate, is 300 metres from the lake shore on the A593, and has 277 gravel pitches and three existing pods, the development control committee heard.

The new, four-berth, dark brown-clad pods are similar in size to a touring caravan or motorhome, and are designed to attract young families, according to plans by the Caravan and Motorhome Club. They offer electricity, running water, cooking facilities and decking.

In a report, LDNPA area planner Mairi Lock said siting static, year-round pods or caravans at a touring site was a departure from policy. However, the new pods would be well screened by thick trees and would not harm the landscape.

Coniston Parish Council raised no objections.