A CONSERVATION area for children and an unusual market garden could soon take root in Cradley.

Andrew Parkhill, who runs a garden design business in the village, has applied for planning permission to convert a four-acre site at Stony Cross, Ledbury Road, into a garden, conservation area and a pool to raise koi carp.

Mr Parkhill is chairman of Friends of Cradley CE Primary School and wants children there to be involved in the project, which will include creating a wetland habitat for newts and frogs.

He plans to grow roses and sunflowers to sell to florists and plants to supply the garden industry. He has also applied to erect a potting shed and two poly-tunnels.

"It's an ambitious project but it will not have a big impact on the environment," he said

"The site is only four acres and the majority of it will be left as paddock."

Mr Parkhill said he had consulted closely with planning officers before submitting the application.

"I would like to work with local residents who may have concerns to address them," he said.