A NEW 3,000 sq m lake could be built in rural Somerset to allow children and young people to kayak and build rafts.

The Kilve Court Outdoor Education Centre is nestled in the northern part of the Quantock Hills and is run by Support Services for Education, part of Somerset County Council.

The council has applied to build a new lake in the grounds of Kilve Court, allowing more children and young people to take part on water-based activities.

A decision on the plans is expected some time in early-summer.

A council spokesman said: “The Kilve Court Outdoor Education Centre requires an additional facility to support their service delivery.

“This is the construction of a recreational lake of approximately 3,000 sq m in area to be used for kayaking, raft building and swimming.

“The lake will be constructed on a field owned by the centre, adjacent to an existing natural large pond.”

The centre lies in the village of Kilve, around 12 miles from Bridgwater and 15 miles from Taunton.

It offers short breaks or trips for schools, youth groups, independent groups and universities, giving students “the experience and opportunity to learn outside of the classroom”.

To provide a water supply for the new lake, a borehole will be drilled in the field and an electric pump will be installed.

A storage shed will also be built next to the lake where the kayaks can be stored when they are not being used.

A final decision on the plans will be taken by the council’s regulation committee after the public consultation period ends on May 7.

The council has signalled it will begin holding virtual meetings in May in light of the coronavirus crisis.