Plans to redevelop a disused industrial site in Astley, near Stourport, into a holiday park featuring 134 caravan lodges, a bar, an external pool, and landscaping have sparked concern among local residents.
The proposed project, submitted to the Malvern Hills District Council by Allens Caravans (Estates) Limited, targets the former Larford Cement and Quarry Works site, which has remained out of commercial use since 2006.
While some members of the community support the idea of revitalising the derelict land, a significant number have voiced objections focused primarily on potential traffic impacts, according to a report by Worcester News.
The site, located along Larford Lane, has raised worries about increased congestion on surrounding roads, particularly in connection to existing pressure points in and around Stourport.
“Due to the high number of new housing developments which have been approved in the Areley Common/Dunley Road area recently and which are now being constructed, traffic jams are being encountered on a daily basis when trying to cross the Severn bridge into Stourport,” stated Hilary Crook, a resident of Dunley.
“Having 134 holiday homes in this area will just add to that congestion and effectively cause Stourport to be permanently gridlocked, especially in the summer months.”
These concerns were echoed by other residents and by the Larford Farm Barns management company, which highlighted the lane’s limited capacity and the strain already placed on local infrastructure.
Astley and Dunley Parish Council, which had previously supported a smaller-scale application for 89 holiday chalets, also withdrew support due to the increased number of units and concerns over environmental and traffic-related impacts.
Despite public opposition, Worcestershire County Council’s Highways Authority has not objected to the application.
In a formal response, the Authority stated that the revised proposal is not expected to cause “any significant congestion or operational issues” and noted that the traffic generated by the development would fluctuate seasonally, with peak volumes occurring during holidays and summer months.
This is not the first development plan submitted for the site. In 2021, Allens Caravans sought permission to build 111 permanent residential caravans, which received planning consent.
The current application shifts focus to holiday use only, with the proposed caravans available on a year-round basis but strictly for tourism.
The developers claim the project could contribute more than £1.5 million annually to the local economy through visitor spending and could result in the creation of 27 full-time jobs.
According to the planning statement, “The site is going to be very costly to develop but will provide a very attractive and desirable holiday location in a beautiful rural position.”
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality and caravan park sectors, the case highlights both the potential economic upside and regulatory sensitivities tied to rural holiday park development.
It underscores the importance of balancing economic opportunities with infrastructure capabilities and community sentiment.
Developers considering similar projects may benefit from thorough transport impact assessments and early engagement with local councils and residents to navigate opposition and regulatory hurdles effectively.