If a planning application is approved, the general public could potentially rent a 16th-century castle for overnight stays, weddings and other events.

John Lewis Partnership has operated Brownsea Castle in Dorset as a private hotel since 1963 and opens it to employees, their families and friends.

The retailer sent its request to Dorset Council, which makes the site available to the general public for 10 to 20 events a year.

Built between 1545 and 1547 by Henry VIII, the castle is located on Brownsea Island, owned by the National Trust, in Poole Harbour.

The John Lewis Partnership runs its hotel season at Brownsea Castle from the end of January to the last week before Christmas each year.

Events at the castle usually last one day and one night. The maximum capacity is 75 guests, 50 of whom can stay overnight.

John Lewis hopes to generate “commercial revenue” from these new events, which would allow the company to continue operating Brownsea Castle as a private and subsidised hotel for its employees.

A John Lewis Partnership spokesman said: “Brownsea Castle is a beautiful, picturesque setting available to our partners.

“We are exploring opportunities for a small number of people outside our partnership to take advantage of this picturesque location to celebrate their special occasions, such as weddings.”