PLANS have been rejected for a holiday caravan park looking onto the Malvern Hills after local residents strongly opposed the scheme.

The plans for 40 holiday caravans in Stanford Bishop, Bringsty, were met by opposition due to fears that the narrow roads surrounding the development would struggle to cope.

An existing caravan park named Malvern View Country Park consisting of 323 pitches for caravans and lodges is located nearby.

Alec Elliot, chairman of Acton Beauchamp Group Parish Council, addressed county councillors at their planning meeting on Wednesday.

He said: "We think enough is enough and it's time people have to say no to this.

"We don't believe Woodend Lane is wide enough or fit for purpose. There are 25 areas where cars have clipped the hedge and an additional passing place proposed is a complete waste of time."

He also highlighted problems with the junction of Woodend Lane with the B4220.

However, planning officer Andrew Banks, recommended the plans for approval and said that it represented a sustainable development but noted the number of objections had been made over unacceptable traffic movement.

He said that the provision of an additional passing bay could alleviate this problem.

Mike Venables, who lives in a Grade II listed Elizabethan farmhouse 200 metres from the proposed development also objected to the plans.

He stated that the site would intrude on his property.

"After dark the background artificial illumination will be seen particularly on foggy evenings, more so in the autumn and winter when the leaves have gone," said Mr Venables.

"Holiday caravan owners on low cost self-catering breaks will tend to remain on the caravan park. Only marginal benefit is likely to accrue to Herefordshire which the negative impacts substantially outweigh."

John Lambe, applicant agent, said that the caravans would be screened and would have no impact on the setting of the Malvern Hills.

He said that they would comply with local and national guidelines. Two new full-time and two part-time positioned would be created from the new development.

Councillor Sebastian Bowen also opposed the plans and that the county's countryside was being over-burdened with caravan parks.

"Would you allow 40 houses here as these are the same size as bungalows," he added.

"You are building a new village here."

Councillor Felicity Norman added that it was question of balancing tourism for the local economy with the impact.

"We have to be careful not to spoil what people come here to enjoy," she added.

Councillors voted to refuse the application on the grounds of the impact on local infrastructure and the cumulative impact of the caravans on the landscape.