The owners of Kent’s largest reservoir have unveiled plans to build 60 lodges at the lake.

Markerstudy Leisure, based in Sevenoaks, said the two-bedroom tourist spots will be cut into slopes around the estate at Bewl Water, near Lamberhurst.

The units – known as earth lodges – will accommodate up to 240 people and be powered using renewable technologies.

Each will be covered by ground banks and sheltered beneath a wild meadow roof, with views of the water and woodland and private outdoor space. Tourists will use existing parking on site.

Bosses aim to capitalise on the short-breaks market in the Weald and west Kent, with staycations predicted to increase as a weaker sterling leaves holidaymakers with less value when exchanging currency.

Bewl Water chief operating officer Andrew Daniells said: “Since taking over the management of Bewl Water Country Park and investing in new facilities and improving the existing leisure activities, it has become clear that there is a demand for high quality self-catering accommodation that is sensitive to the environment.”

The proposals were revealed at the Waterside Visitor Centre in the 800-acre country park on Wednesday, at an event attended by 130 people.

Mr Daniells said: “The response from local residents and watersports enthusiasts was overwhelmingly positive.

“We believe that the addition of self-catering accommodation at Bewl would enable us to play a greater role in supporting other local tourism businesses.

“The earth lodges are an integral part of our long-term strategy to ensure the country park can operate as an all year round destination for outdoor pursuits and continue to improve the facilities for existing watersports users.”

Markerstudy revealed its takeover Bewl Water in September last year, with the deal completed in January.

It bought the stake from West Ham United co-chairman David Sullivan, following a controversy surrounding the liquidation of Bewl Valley Sailing Club, which blamed its closure on an “untenable” bill for £160,000 a year to run its premises.

An application for the lodges is expected to be submitted to Wealden District Council later in the year.