Plans to build a cabin retreat on the grounds of one of Kent's biggest and most historic attractions have been revealed.

Leeds Castle has submitted proposals for four waterside holiday homes on the site grounds at Hollingbourne, near Maidstone.

If approved, the cabin retreat will be erected in woodlands at the tourist site, alongside the Great Water, and wants to be as sustainable as possible.

Planning documents submitted to Maidstone council said: "Leeds Castle has the perfect foundation to create a cabin retreat that delivers a unique, experience-led reconnection to nature.

"From the beautiful picturesque grounds teaming with wildlife, to the working biodiverse landscape and the magnificent historical buildings, it is uniquely positioned to present a distinctive, exclusive retreat offering.

"Through the introduction of modular high quality, design-led, carbon neutral Koto units, our considered approach falls in line with the purposeful development strategy to new accommodation that will also drive other economic benefits.

"By investing in an additional range of experiences to attract, inform, and inspire visitors, it will encourage them to stay for longer in the area and thereby increase their contribution to the local economy."

The proposed development will not have a detrimental impact on the physical architectural and historical values of this important heritage asset, although it will not enhance the heritage values or preservation of the historical site."

A design statement for the plans concluded: "The location and brand positioning of Leeds Castle are so much more than just the house and grounds.

"They are a visitor attraction receiving over 500,000 visitors each year, but they are also a forester, a farmer, an employer, a landlord and passionate conservationists.

"With a huge range of authentic, immersive experiences that connects visitors to the community from local food produce available to local spa products available in the cabins, there will be a continued focus on reflecting the local destination."

The applicants revealed they want to develop the cabin retreat in a way which is "thoughtful, sensitive and adds a new layer to the rich historic context".

You can view the plans by clicking here and searching for the reference 23/500304/FULL.

The historic castle celebrated its 900th anniversary in 2019 and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.