A DECOY war bunker hoped to confuse the Nazis and protect Harwich from being bombed could be transformed into a unique glamping unit.

The listed Second World War bunker on the edge of a field at Spinnels Farm in Wix sits unused and slowly falling into disrepair.

Concerned owner Alan Fairs said, if nothing is done, it will eventually fall apart and be lost forever as there are no grants or funding available to restore it.

In a bid to protect its future, Mr Fairs and business partner Robert Blyth, had put forward an unusual plan to turn it into a self-contained glamping unit.

If approved there will be a double bed, ensuite with shower, a kitchenette and seating area.

M Fairs said: “There were about 700 of these decoy bunkers in 1941/42 when we were being attacked by Germany.

"The idea was two people would go to this site and put on some lights to suggest this was Harwich - they would then drop the bombs here instead and the people inside would light fires with ignition so the bombers went home delighted.

“It was desperate measures at that point.

“It’s a very interesting thing - it isn’t the run of the mill pillbox.

“We had a lot of fun thinking about it. We said, rather than let it fall down we’d do something.”

The hope is people travelling to or from the port using the ferry, especially cyclists, will stop for a night at the glamping unit.

“There is an observation hatch - you can climb up and sit on the rooftop.

“If you go up there on a warm evening, it’s a magnificent view to the Holbrook school tower.

“People could sit on the roof there and have a meal or a drink in the evening.

“On a big wall in the bunker, we will put up details of what these bunkers are all about.”