PLANS to build two lakeside holiday lodges on the outskirts of Chedworth were accepted by Cotswold District Council (CDC), despite concerns over sustainability.

Members had deferred making a decision on the application at last month's meeting to allow for a site visit, which took place last week.

The detached self-catering lodges are to be built on land to the rear of the longstanding Fossebridge Inn.

The land includes a manmade lake and was once within the ownership of the Inn, a three-storey hotel and pub, but when that changed hands in 2014 the site was split into two.

The lodges will, however, be managed by the owners of the hotel/pub, on behalf of applicants Andrew Cobby and Caroline Quick.

According to Dee Ludlow, owner of the Inn, speaking at the meeting on Wednesday, it is intended the lodges will help to provide 'a further year-round income stream for the inn' and ensure its future financial viability.

She went on to say: "The planning proposal addresses essential renovation of major works that are urgently required, including redesign of the weir to accommodate increased water flow, the continued refurbishment of the very dilapidated Cotswold stone wall and the rebuilding and replanting of the banks around the lake, which are currently crumbling away.

"If this proposal does not go ahead, we understand that this work cannot be funded leading to the deterioration of the land and the loss of the lake which would have a significant impact on our business," she added.

Case officer Joe Seymour recommended the application be refused, citing concerns over the sustainability of the area, in particular the 'extremely limited' public transport available.

Speaking at the meeting, ward member Cllr Jenny Forde questioned this reasoning, arguing that there are 'other holiday lets in the area' and the plot is on the 'tourist route through the Cotswolds' and within the parish of Chedworth, a 'thriving community'.

"To say it is unsustainable when there is so much business and activity seems extreme," she said, going on to refer to the fact that nearby Cirencester was ironically named as eighth in a list of 20 UK destinations where demand for holiday lets outstrips supply this month, as reported by the Standard.

"This application both compliments and expands a longstanding tourist offering and enables a rural area to thrive and ensure its future," she added.

Cllr Robin Hughes proposed members accept the application, citing the benefits to the rural economy and the fact he did not believe it to be in an unsustainable location.

He was seconded by Cllr Sue Jepson.

12 members were in favour of the development, with one against and one abstaining.