A country pub is planning to “diversify” its income by offering new overnight accommodation in holiday pods and a converted horsebox.

Owners of the Rose & Crown, in Perry Wood, Selling, are bidding to gain permission to transform an area of redundant land next to their Grade II-listed inn.

They say the pods will “blend seamlessly into the woodland setting”, and be largely targeted at cyclists and walkers who frequent the pub on their way past.

The plans involve the installation of external hot tubs, pergolas and a BBQ area for occupants of the two pods to share.

The horsebox, which has been in situ for a number of years, will stand nearby and have its own outdoor hot tub for guests to use. It will be converted to include a shower room, sleeping area, small kitchenette and sofa space.

Land earmarked for the scheme was previously used as an extension to the pub garden.

The proposals, submitted to Swale Borough Council, have been formulated by Tim Robinson and Kate Gibson, who plan to follow an “eco-friendly” approach to the scheme.

Documents submitted with the application state: “The proposal is directed at single occupancy or couples, however the designs are flexible and can therefore accommodate young families through the use of sofa beds.

“It will help to diversify the pub’s income, offering additional income through providing a service which the local area is currently lacking.

“It is envisaged that people staying in the holiday pods would also provide a boost to the public house, with additional food and drink sales.”

The project came about due to a “lack of holiday let facilities in the area”.

After receiving inquiries about where to stay in the village, the owners decided to explore their own accommodation offering “to provide a greater level of financial security”.

'It will help to diversify the pub’s income...'

Should the overnight stays not prove successful, the applicants say the temporary wooden pods and horsebox could easily be removed.

The picturesque Rose & Crown has stood in Perry Wood for centuries, and in the 1800s, was owned by miller, John Sutton, who had the nearby row of cottages built.