EMNETH could become the angling capital of the Fens, with two applications to build fishing lakes in the village. But the parish council is opposing the plans, submitted to West Norfolk Borough Council, for a lake at the back of 178 Hungate Road, saying t

EMNETH could become the angling capital of the Fens, with two applications to build fishing lakes in the village.

But the parish council is opposing the plans, submitted to West Norfolk Borough Council, for a lake at the back of 178 Hungate Road, saying the 0.8-acre site is "too small".

Applicant Daniel Burlingham is looking to build the lake, complete with five caravan pitches, five car parked spaces and amenities block, for use by fishing clubs.

A statement, submitted to the borough council says: "The applicant believes there is a need for quiet private fishing areas in this area away from the more commercially orientated fishing lakes; a site where fishermen can fish without undue disturbance."

But a parish council statement says: "The size of the application site is too small to sustain the intended number of units, plus other visitors' vehicles."

The borough council is also considering plans for a five-acre fishing lake, two-and-a-half acre breeding lake and temporary storage building on agricultural land in Gray's Lane, Emneth.

A statement from planning agent John Hobden says: "There is an established demand for leisure facilities in the district and other established lakes in the area report continuing increases in demand.

"Visitors to the facility would be likely to generate additional trade to village shops, thereby contributing to the rural economy."

It added the proposed storage building has been designed to be in keeping with small farm buildings in the district, with green profile steel chosen as the material in a bid to minimise the impact on the landscape.