RESIDENTS in Rock are deeply concerned for the future of the village's countryside after a plan was lodged to build a new holiday home park.

A planning application has been submitted to change agricultural land at Olive Tree, Buckeridge Lane, to hold new holiday lodges with an access track, visitor parking, and a mini sewage treatment plant.

But neighbours have voiced concerns about the plans, handing a petition with 183 signatures to developers.

Issues raised relate to the “notoriously dangerous” roads which surround the site, the impact on the area’s wildlife, and potential pollution.

Buckeridge Lane resident Chris Woolley, whose property overlooks the site, said: “This development is flawed with problems.

“We are all into nature here and have turned parts of the area into wildlife zones. We have deer come into the field.”

He said he is worried the sewage plant may cause pollution to the land close to a horse paddock.

Chris said: “I’m trying to protect how we live, and the thing that impacts everybody in the area is the traffic.”

Surrounding the site are the A4117, the A456 where a car crash occurred last Friday, and the Pound Bank crossroad.

Chris added: “These roads are dangerous. Why would you want to make the impact potentially worse?”

Kidderminster Shuttle:

Fellow resident Shirley Lush said: “I couldn’t believe the plans when I saw them. I was devastated.”

One resident said the development would "turn the countryside into Butlins", while another added: "We all live in the area and it’s just something we don’t want. We are not being thought of in these plans.”

Residents also say there are already 12 caravan sites within four miles of the area.

A parish council meeting was held last week where attendees spoke out against the plans.

The site is owned by Claire Sandford, who is the managing director of CS Vanguard Ltd, makers of holiday lodges and park homes.

The planning application says the “benefits of increased tourist and visitor accommodation will boost trade and employment for retail outlets and visitor attractions”, and boost revenue for local pubs and shops.

Ms Sandford said the concerns of residents “are not based on anything".

She told The Shuttle: “If people read through the application they would feel that there are a lot more benefits. Just read it in full before forming a view.”

Ms Sandford said she hired a professional ecological surveyor.

Phil Plant, of agents Midwest Planning, said the application would not have a detrimental impact on wildlife, but rather “increase and diversify” wildlife habitat.

He said: “I am somewhat surprised by people’s reaction to this application, especially when the ecology report and business plan that Miss Sandford commissioned is considered.

“The application will not have a detrimental impact on wildlife, and will in fact provide carefully considered environmental enhancement measures for the site, thus increasing and diversifying wildlife habitat.”