Recreational fishing lakes could be built on farmland in Chester if plans get the go-ahead.

An application has been submitted by Dandy's garden supplies for two fishing ponds at land to the rear of Yew Tree Farm on Sealand Road, where the firm is based.

The site is two miles from the city centre and located partiality in the green belt – protected land where planning is tightly controlled to guard against urban sprawl.

According to the application, the Wales-England border runs along the western boundary of the development, with the access road being located in Wales. The seven acre site comprises mostly of 'undeveloped' farmland.

The application would see two 'lakes' created along with stages set approximately 10-15m apart around the embankment.

There would also be a pedestrian footpath routed around both lakes along with a rest/picnic area.

Citing the proposed benefits, the application said there would be 'creation of accessible outdoor leisure opportunities' allowing support for local angling clubs and organised community use, including supervised events and matches, providing 'health and well-being benefits' through provision of access to outdoor recreation and social interaction.

It added: "The rural location of the development also offers users the opportunity to 'escape' from the urban and suburban environments in which the majority live to experience and enjoy the outdoors."

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It added: "To this end, a non-countryside location for the activities that are proposed would prevent this opportunity and with it, the health and well-being benefits that it can offer."

According to the application the site would employ four full-time staff.

The application concluded: "The development will deliver substantial benefits across the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development, in accordance with relevant national and local planning policy."

The plans can be viewed on the council's planning portal under the following reference number. 26/00766/FUL