A FARMER is hoping to create fishing lakes for anglers of all ages and wildlife ponds on his land in Wissett near Halesworth.Peter Norman has applied to Waveney District Council for planning permission to construct fishing lakes and wildlife ponds at Hall Farm, Wash Lane, after answering an advertisement for fishery management in a magazine several years ago.

A FARMER is hoping to create fishing lakes for anglers of all ages and wildlife ponds on his land in Wissett near Halesworth.

Peter Norman has applied to Waveney District Council for planning permission to construct fishing lakes and wildlife ponds at Hall Farm, Wash Lane, after answering an advertisement for fishery management in a magazine several years ago.

Mr Norman said: "The land is low lying and not ideal for agricultural use. It has been set-aside for several years.

"It didn't seem like a bad idea to use it for fishing and wildlife. It will be nice and enhance the land.

"We hope to construct it ourselves and plant trees, hedges and shrubs. I hope it will pay its way and maybe make a small profit."

If given the go-ahead, two 1.5 metre deep coarse fishing lakes and two wildlife ponds will be managed by Ipswich-based company Quiet Sports Fishery Management.

The company's owner Steve Barnes said: "We do lakes all over the country and this is an extension of our network. We try to open fishing to everyone, particularly people who have never done it before and kids in order to get them off street corners."

At the company's established lakes, bailiffs patrol the fisheries, collecting day ticket payments of around £5 from anglers and ensuring fishery rules are upheld and are open for small club competitions, corporate visits and school, college and youth club trips.

The company, which has over 25 years experience in the fishing and leisure industry, will provide disabled access, two small car parks, toilets and tuition through an Introduction to Fishing programme taught by full-time professional teachers.

The fisheries can attract around up to 10 anglers per day during the week, up to 15 on weekends and bank holidays and between 15 and 25 anglers to weekly or fortnightly matches on Sundays.

Water, which is usually taken from a nearby waterway, will be monitored to maintain healthy fish stock and the fisheries and the two wildlife ponds will attract resident and migratory birds, plants, small mammals, reptiles, dragonflies, newts and frogs.

Plans have been drawn up by Giles Hill of Land and Sculpture Design Partnership, at Hitcham near Stowmarket, and will be decided by Waveney District Council later this year.