An impression of how the proposed Wasdale Head block will look. Image: National Trust

Planners will hear an application by the National Trust to build two new toilet blocks at the foot of England’s highest mountain.

The conservation charity has submitted plans to the Lake District National Park Authority for the facilities at Wasdale Head and Lake Head.

The application will be considered by the authority’s development control committee on 6 March.

The trust said the toilets are needed for the quarter of a million visitors who come to Wasdale each year.

Wasdale is the starting point for many walkers setting off for Scafell Pike and other peaks in the central fells, and is also the site of England’s deepest lake, Wast Water.

The National Trust is proposing seven toilets at Wasdale Head in a 50 sq m building next to the car park, forming part of a field wall. It said: “Building materials blend into the landscape and are sustainably and locally sourced.

“It is one of four locations considered by the National Trust and independent experts. All are in a flood-risk area and the trust’s plans take this into account. The building is on a raised floor with raised electrical points and work will be done to reduce pooling and flooding from surface water.”

At the National Trust’s campsite Lake Head, the proposal is for 11 toilets within a 64 sq m building.

Marian Silvester, the trust’s general manager in the west Lakes said: “A huge number of people come to Wasdale Head and Lake Head and want to spend a penny before setting off to climb Scafell Pike.

“It’s taken a number of years to get to the right solution. We looked at ease of access, practicality and, most importantly in this very special valley, something that would cause the least overall impact.

“As Wasdale Head in particular, there is no perfect location for a new building. But there is a clear need for toilets. We have involved experts and shared our plans with our community and on our website.

We believe this proposal causes the least negative impact overall.”

The location of the proposed toilet block at Wasdale Head. Image: National Trust

The charity said Wasdale is one of the most visited, beautiful and remote Lake District valleys and the toilet blocks will bring long awaited benefits to the valley and the 250,000 people who visit it.

If planning permission is granted and funding secured the National Trust expect work to start in September 2019 and opening for Easter 2020.

Ms Silvester said: “We’ve worked with the Environment Agency and the Lake District National Park Authority planners and shared our plans with our local community who have been positive about the designs which are now with the planners.”