Couples looking to holiday in Somerset after the coronavirus pandemic ends could soon be able to stay in a secluded tree-house in the woods.

Plans have been submitted to build a new tree-house with space for two people near Bruton for use as visitor accommodation.

The tree-house will be built in a wooded area off Higher Tolbury, with access from the nearby property of Coombe Rise on the northern edge of the town.

South Somerset District Council is expected to make a decision on the plans later in the year.

If approved, the tree-house would be built in Bruton at the top of St Catherine's Hill, with vistors parking their cars at Coombe Rise and walking to the site via a new footpath.

The tree-house would accommodate two adults and comprise a bedroom, kitchen and dining area, bathroom, living room and decked area facing west.

CSK Chartered Architects, which has designed the tree-house, described it as "a distinctive piece of architecture that respects and responds to its hillside woodland setting".

Running water and electricity will be extended to the tree-house from Coombe Rise, with a bio-digester being built nearby to cope with additional sewage.

The site lies just over five minutes' walk from the town centre and less than 20 minutes' walk from the railway station, which has daily services to and from London Paddington.

While the tree-house will be visible from two nearby public footpaths, the applicants do not believe its presence would spoil the natural environment.

A spokesman said: "The tree-house has great potential to enhance the landscape character by introducing an element of interest and delight to be viewed from the public footpath.

"The beauty and interest of the tree-house would constitute a positive addition to the scene.

"We want to create accommodation that is beautiful, uplifting and inspirational, and it should be a truly wonderful place to stay.

"The aim of the project is to create a whole experience of peacefulness, proximity to nature and an escape from the busyness that is modern living."