Holidaymakers may be able to pitch up on the Norfolk Showground if a plan to convert part of the large plot is given the green light.

The Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA) has applied to South Norfolk Council to change the use of over 28,000 sqm of grass for 33 caravan plots, available all year round.

The Caravan Club previously ran a site with 60 plots at the ground up until 2012.

The new site would be run by the RNAA, which would use the income from the venture to fund its projects which helps educate young people and adults about food, farming and the countryside.

Fearn Ainsworth, commercial development manager for the association, said it would cost £50,000 to establish the site which already has toilet blocks, waste and fresh water facilities.

Miss Ainsworth said: "Through Covid there has been a boom in staycations and we want to be included in that.

"We want to work with tourist bodies to make sure we are supporting tourism in the area.

"We want to make sure people have a good amount of space. It is a beautiful green space. The showground is a good location."

She added: "During Covid people have explored the country a lot more. Activities including paddleboarding and canoeing have also become very popular during the lockdowns.

"This is partly because this area has become desirable because of the Broads and the surrounding area.

"There are also a lot of retired people looking for places to visit in the UK."

She added the showground site was good because it was accessible for people travelling from the A11 and A47.

The site will be developed in stages and it will employ eight full-time and two part-time staff.

Visitors would access the site and its facilities through a contactless system.

Part of the design and access statement said: "We would be using gate seven for access which is off the main road eliminating any congestion issues from the main showground gates. This will have a secure gate for access only to this area."

The site would not be open to caravans during the Royal Norfolk Show.