WORK could start next year to turn the remains of a medieval castle into a tourist attraction.

Hay Castle Trust has submitted their plans to renovate and preserve the 12th century site for future generations to enjoy.

If plans are approved the castle could be opened up to the public for the first time ever by 2018.

The plans include a viewing platform in the Norman keep, giving people the opportunity to experience the views of the Wye Valley and the borderlands.

The project will also see the gatehouse, curtainwall, mansion and outlying buildings all be made safe, and opened up to the public for the first time in its history.

Interior plans include a new state of the art exhibition gallery, event space, café and a series of large flexible spaces and associated works.

"We are very excited as it's taken a lot longer than we thought to get here," said Hay Castle Trust Managing Director Nancy Lavin Albert.

"It's a very complicated project but it's terrific to finally get the plans in."

The castle building work will cost £4.1 million with the total cost of the project £6.5 million.

The Trust is still fundraising to find the remainder of the money needed for the project after receiving numerous grants earlier this year, including one for £4.9 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Architect Stuart Cave said: "We have just submitted our planning application and when we have approval it will then go to tendering.

"The HLF have now confirmed their funding which is the majority and the trust have also raised quite a lot privately.

"We have already done a lot of work and consultation over the development with the planning authority over the last year.

"This summer we have also be carrying out archaeological and ecological developments. We need to start building urgently as the building needs work."

Mr Cave hopes that plans will be given the seal of approval in the next two months and building can start next year.