Plans to convert an outbuilding in the Dengie countryside into a holiday home have been revealed, in a bid to offer more staycation opportunities in Maldon.

Tony Harvey hopes to transform the recreational outbuilding in Althorne, on land behind Limes View on Burnham Road, into a two-bedroom holiday let for four guests.

The self-catering holiday home would be aimed at families with children and couples looking for a countryside retreat with activities in the district.

In a statement with the application, a spokesperson for agency Smart Planning said the home would "supply the local area with the additional bed spaces required as there is a shortage".

They added: "The UK has seen a dramatic increase in staycations arising from the Covid-19 pandemic.

"This lends further support to this type of proposal, making the best use of the existing building at an optimum time for the UK tourism industry."

An assessment of the site by Development Research also said the home would be commercially viable and a "positive addition" to the local tourism economy.

It identified an increase in the popularity of self-catering accommodation over the pandemic as it can "offer a level of security and social distancing safety not always available in serviced accommodation".

The report also said the home could operate year-round, which would "help in lengthening the tourist season, reduce the seasonality and support employment throughout the year".

The same materials would be used for the exterior of the holiday home, while new UPVC windows and patio doors would be added.

The southern storage room doors would be replaced with new windows, while the roofline of the building would remain the same.

No additional parking spaces are proposed as guests would be able to access off-street parking, while Althorne train station is less than two miles away.

Environmental Health has advised that a condition be added to ensure the site would remain for holiday use only.

Maldon District Council will make the final decision.