FARMER and auction mart director Trevor Wilson and his parents are seeking planning consent for a new 'countryside workers dwelling' on land east of Guides Farm, Flookburgh.

Mr Wilson is the fourth generation to farm at the family holding, according to documents lodged with South Lakeland District Council.

Together with Edward and Ethel Wilson, he has submitted plans for a two-storey stone, render and slate-roofed house with uPVC windows.

An agricultural appraisal by land agent John Hughes states that Mr and Mrs Wilson are both 78 and run the sheep farm themselves with help from their son Trevor, but the couple are finding the work 'too strenuous'.

The appraisal states that Trevor Wilson, 54, has relinquished a farm tenancy at Cartmel to manage Guides Farm. His proposed new dwelling would occupy an elevated position to give 'uninterrupted' views over marshland to the Leven estuary, to enable a watchful eye to be kept on sheep and prevent them straying onto quicksand.

The Wilsons have rescued walkers from the sands and incoming tides on several occasions, according to planning documents.

Mr Wilson is chair of Lower Holker Parish Council.

An objection to the proposed new house has been made on behalf of neighbours at Sandgate Farm, by Ashton Planning of Aynam Mills, Kendal.