AN application for 81 holiday caravans has been turned down by Wychavon District Council.

Allens Caravans, who own Comberton Golf Club had applied for the static caravans to be allowed at the club to allow for tourists.

In the decision notice, planners claimed that the amount of caravans would harm the area of outstanding natural beauty.

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."

Dozens of commenters made their feelings clear to the council, suggesting that the application would bring negative change to the area.

Lorna Hendey said: "I would like to object to this planning application as I think the number of people living on this site will be disproportionately high compared to the population in Great Comberton.

"Also, the site will be visible from Bredon Hill and spoil the rural view. I feel it will contribute no benefits to the local community."

Sally Smith added: "The size of this development appears to be almost as big as the village itself and will be seen from any of the surrounding hills-all within this area of outstanding natural beauty.

"The increase in local traffic around small and quiet country lanes is likely to cause congestion at peak times.

"The level of concomitant noise pollution is likely to have a severe detrimental effect on several local villages. I can see the site increasing over time - all with greater environmental impacts."

Sally Turner said: "I feel this proposed caravan site would be to the detriment of local residents if it were to be approved.

"There are no shops in the villages that might benefit so the only impact on the area would be negative.

"I walk on Bredon Hill almost daily and the view from the top is wonderful. Seeing a caravan park would truly spoil that. Access to the site is via a quiet but narrow country lane which would not cope well with a large increase of traffic.

"The villages around the hill are beautiful and largely unspoilt, this development would reduce the overall beauty of the area and could pave the way to further, greater developments in the future."

Whilst most commenters were against the development, Ann Reynolds said: "I support the application. The site is already used for caravans /RVs and there have been in the past several caravan rallies each year,

"The only change is to static caravans not used for permanent housing.The site is separated from the village by trees and fields and will not be

visible to village or the road .

"It may be visible form the top of Bredon Hill if you know where to look.There will be some road disruption when the site is developed but afterwards I expect no one will notice an increase in vehicles.

"The visitors to the site will help the local economy-visiting shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs in Pershore and the surrounding area.

"They hopefully will support local events eg jazz festival, plum festival etc in Pershore and more locally Great Comberton Flower Show. Great Comberton is in the Cotswolds and has to expect visitors to the area-tourism is very import locally."

Allens Caravans were unavailable to comment on whether they are likely to appeal.