A TROUT lake could be replaced by a car park if a planning application is approved.

Moorland Trout Farms wants to fill in Pickering Trout Lake, which would mean the end of fishing at the Newbridge Road site.

The former lake would become a 158-space car park, while the plan submitted to Ryedale District Council also includes seven glamping units.

A spokesman for Moorland Trout Farms said: "Demand for fishing has fallen away, while demand for long-stay parking has soared. We have moved the business away from fishing in the last two years and this just formalises that arrangement."

If approved, the business would build on its existing cafe and camping trade. The car park is primarily targeted at passengers using the nearby North York Moors Railway.

"We have been working very closely with the North Yorkshire Moors Railway to improve their visitor experience," the spokesman added.

"We have undertaken a comprehensive traffic survey for the car park.

"The railway car park fills up very quickly in high season and then people just end up driving round town looking for somewhere to park. This scheme will take the pressure off."

The plan also includes a three-bedroom manager's apartment and a reception building to accommodate a cafe, shop, exhibition and meeting space, service kitchen, public toilets and shower rooms.