Luxury lodges are poised to be built as part of a new tourism development.

Plans have been tabled to create 15 lodges - along with office and shop buildings - at Winscales, on the edge of Workington.

They would be used to support attempts to revive a livery business at the site, at Cumberland Lodge, just off the A595.

Proposals, if approved, would create three jobs and between four and six part-time job, plans show.

Officials are recommending that the scheme be given the go-ahead when Allerdale council's development committee meets tomorrow.

A report to councillors states: "The applicant advises that the lodge development is required to provide tourist accommodation in the locality and support the revival of the vacant livery buildings.

"The concept is that some tourists will use the lodge and livery complex and the development will support the wider tourism industry, local businesses and provide employment."

On the buildings themselves, the report adds: "The lodges will provide unique, eco-friendly luxury family and group accommodation.

"The scheme will encourage visitors to engage in outdoor recreation and will support horse riders, cyclists and walkers."

The lodges are the second development to be proposed for the site.

A previous application for a 100-unit caravan and chalet scheme was refused permission.

The report states: "This scheme for 15 lodges has a much lower density that the previously rejected caravan and chalet schemes.

"Therefore, the proposed scheme has an opportunity to being more sensitively integrated into the landscape and environment due to the lower numbers of accommodation units and visitors using private transport."

That previous scheme was refused because of concerns about visual impact. This proposed development, planners believe, would not have that same impact. No neighbours have objected. Cumbria Highways has lodged no objection.

The development panel will meet at Allerdale House, Workington.