APPLICANTS for 81 holiday caravans at Great Comberton Golf Club say they will appeal against their rejected plan.

Wychavon District Council turned down the application by Allens Caravans citing that the amount of caravans would harm the area of outstanding natural beauty.

Ashton Hall, director at Allens Caravans said: "Unfortunately on this occasion we were unsuccessful in our planning application at Great Comberton Golf Club even though it was very closely contested vote.

"However we take solace in the fact that the planning case officer had recommended for approval our application after a considerable pre-planning process, this will no doubt be evident in our forthcoming appeal application.

"We have every confidence that we will ultimately be successful and we hope to prove that our plan for the ongoing regeneration of the land at the golf course will be beneficial to not only our patrons but to the wider community."

Planning officer Gavin Greenhow said: "The application site lies in close proximity to the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and forms a part of its setting.

"By virtue of the size of the application site, number of proposed caravans and associated car parking with the proposed use, the proposed development would harm the setting and natural beauty of the AONB, in particular when viewed from elevated land on Bredon Hill.

"In addition, the proposed development would be seen from along the River Avon to the immediate west of the site.

"The introduction of the proposed development would not be appropriate to nor integrate with the character of the landscape setting.

"Consequently, the proposed development fails to fulfil an environmental role and is therefore not sustainable development as set out in the framework.

"The harm caused by the proposal significantly and demonstrably outweighs any benefits of the scheme."