A new glamping site could be coming to Hadleigh Country Park.

A planning application has been submitted to Castle Point Council proposing to use a part of Hadleigh Country Park to build four safari-style tents on timber bases.

The proposal is a joint partnership between Essex County Council, Hadleigh Park Olympic Legacy and RW Leisure & Glamping Limited.

The tents will be fitted with a small kitchen worksurface, sink and gas hob, and water supply for the kitchen sink will come from two 25L water bowserslocated under the sink.

Residents have welcomed the exciting prospect of having a luxury outdoor camping facility locally.

Richard Jackson, 38, of Clarence Road, Benfleet, hoped the council would accept the proposal.

He said: “My family and I did a lot of glamping in France. But to have a facility closer to home is positive.

“We tried camping before, and we missed our creature comforts. For example my wife can’t be apart from her hair straightener.

“You can experience the outdoors, and at the same time you can be cozy and relaxed.

“Hadleigh Park would be suitable because it’s big and absolutely beautiful. There’s a lot of attractions and activities there like Hadleigh Castle and residents can go geocaching. It’s treasure hunting with a GPS.

“I think glamping has a lot of other perks. Our weather is often cold and grey, and not everyone is able to stay warm in normal camping tents.

“Glamping is very popular in France, we used to go to the south coasts a lot. I guess there’s not a lot glamping sites here because our seasons for warm weather is quite short so camp site owners probably don’t want to put too much investment in them.”

Colin Riley, leader of Castle Point Council, is also delighted about the proposals.

He said: “Any developments that can make good use of the country park and its facilities is a fantastic idea.

“The park is an ideal location, and I am sure glamping will be a great success there.

“I used to do a lot of camping when I was a youngster, fishing was my favourite activity. My son does a lot of glamping, and I think this type of camping is suitable for people who want to camp during the cold weather.”