A natural swimming pond could be built in a village garden.

A couple named in planning papers as Mr and Mrs Brunt have applied for planning permission for the pool at the rear of their property on Back Street at South Creake, near Burnham Market.

A planning statement says: "The aim of the owners is to have a pond rather than a swimming pool because they feel that a pond will blend in beautifully with the surrounding area."

It adds 50pc of the 18 x 12m pond will consist of water plants that will keep the water clean and filtered and provide "a magnet for wildlife" such as newts, butterflies, hedgehogs and swallows.

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It says this will help boost biodiversity in an area which has seen "a significant loss of freshwater ponds".

The other half of the pond will be used for swimming by the owners and their guests.

An earlier application was withdrawn after concerns over the status of the land by planning officers.

The statement adds it has now been granted a lawful development certificate for use as a garden, which is "a significant material consideration".

A decision from West Norfolk council is expected later this year.