Plans to turn a derelict fishing lodge into holidays lets on the edge of a Kentish reservoir have been given the green light.

Proposals will see the site at Bewl Water in Lamberhurst transformed into four apartments.

The decision was taken by a government planning inspector who dismissed ecological concerns, saying such a small-scale development "would not adversely impact on the integrity of the protected European site".

The lodge, on the north side of the lake, has been empty since 2016. It will be extended and converted into four one-bedroom units.

It was once used as the place where anglers could hire boats, tackle, and purchase fishing permits, but those functions have been moved to another building on-site.

The reservoir's operations manager Kevin Parker said: "As the largest reservoir in the South East, Bewl is a popular water sports destination, particularly with fishermen, so it was necessary to relocate them to accommodate their needs.

"Since then, the old building has been vacant – we haven’t used it for seven years”

"We still find ourselves dealing with the aftermath of the Covid-19 crisis – travel afar is still very much off the table for many people, especially with rising living costs, and the tourist board continues to tell me that there's not enough quality accommodation in the area.

"These holiday units will go some way towards addressing that."

The application had been opposed by a residents' group, by several parish councils and had been originally refused permission by Wealden District Council.

The 800-acre reservoir site is owned by Elite Leisure.