WEST Midland Safari Park is seeking permission to build a new lion house and four more luxury lodges.

The proposal forms phase three of the park’s “wildlife masterplan” with phase one complete and phase two under construction.

According to the design and access statement submitted to Wyre Forest District Council, the new enclosure “will provide much-improved animal housing for the current lion stock”.

As well a lion house and lodges, it is proposed two covered viewing area, four viewing pods and a lion holding pen are also constructed.

The statement notes: “The site is laid out to give the required space to the animal for internal housing, external 24 hour access paddock, holding area and lodges associated with the lions.

“The lion house layout complies with current licensing standards and is being designed in consultation with the wildlife department at WMSP.

“The four lodges are positioned at the lower (south) end of the paddock so that they easily link to existing tracks and minimise the impact on the natural landscape.”

The lion lodges are single-storey to give guests “an eye-level view of the lions to get the proximity and immersive experience of being with the animals,”

Each lodge is separated to “maintain visual openness of the site” and will have a thatched roof to match existing lodges.