A couple hope installing glamping pods in a field behind their home will attract new visitors to their "beautiful village".

Lynn and Warren Hyder, of Shadoxhurst near Ashford, want to erect six pods on an unused plot off Tally Ho Road.

The pair have submitted their plans to Ashford Borough Council (ABC), and want to keep the site open year-round.

They hope the development will help them enjoy a "better work-life balance" and entice people to an area they feel is underappreciated.

Mrs Hyder, 48, says the pair want to highlight the “peace and tranquillity” of the village.

“Warren and I have been back in Shadoxhurst for fast approaching 25 years and chose to bring our family up here,” she said.

“We realise how lucky we are and having the countryside on our doorstep is something we’ve taken for granted in some ways.

“We like to go to quiet places on holiday and it made us realise we’ve got a lot of that right on our doorstep so thought it would be nice to share that with other people.”

Guests will be able to book a minimum of two nights and are expected to be couples and small families, while party groups will not be allowed.

An electric vehicle charging point is planned for the site but visitors will be encouraged to use bikes to travel around the area, with the nearest bus stop a three-minute walk away.

“Hopefully it will benefit the local community,” Mrs Hyder, who works for Teenage Cancer Trust, added.

“The pandemic taught us a lot and there’s a lot of people in this country now who prefer to stay in the UK rather than holiday overseas.

“We realise that environmentally and economically things have been difficult out there for so many people, but if we’re able to provide something which will help the community, then we will.

“Although we’re looking at the luxury end of the market, hopefully it will be a lot more affordable for people to stay, meaning it will tick boxes for them as well as us.”

Access to the pods – which will be set up seven metres apart – will be via the existing driveway at the site.

Visitors will follow this route past Mr and Mrs Hyder’s home before reaching a turning area where there will be eight parking bays.

Each pod will be accessible via a path and will have a small decking area at the front of the entrance, providing guests with a covered outdoor space.

If the plans are given the green light, two part-time roles for cleaning and maintenance would be created.

A decision on the application will be made by planning officers at ABC.