Two currently disconnected areas of Biddulph Grange Gardens could be joined up by a new set of steps if plans are approved.

The popular local National Trust attraction submitted an application to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council to create a new section of steps to connect two areas of the garden.

If the plans are given the go-ahead, the steps would connect the Parterre to Mrs Bateman's Garden - two separate areas of the gardens which are currently blocked off from each other by a hedge.

A planning statement prepared on behalf of the application explains that the steps would make the area more in line with the original design of the gardens.

It says: "The proposed works are to provide direct access from the Italian Parterre section of the garden to Mrs Bateman's garden. The original design of the garden was to provide a two way entrance and exit to each section of the garden. This would reinstate this to these areas.

"The additional access with stop a dead end area in the Parterre and greatly improve the visitor flow and also improve enjoyment to the two areas. Opening all areas of the garden to visitors provides a valuable opportunity for public appreciation of the heritage asset and contributes to outdoor recreation.

"The impact of the steps in the immediate environment has been mitigated by matching stone steps which is proposed so as to tie into the historic fabric of the existing house and gardens. The guardrails will be provided to each side of the steps but will be laid into the hedge and not visible or used as handrails, again as elsewhere in the garden.

"Biddulph Grange Garden is in important tourist attraction and heritage asset and contributes to the local economy, employing some 13 permanent staff and 26 seasonal staff. This proposal will ensure the safety of all staff and visitors and improve the visitors experience of the gardens and landscape."

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council will have the final say on the plans at a later date.