RESIDENTS have vowed to continue fighting plans for a caravan park in Rock which, they say, will be an eyesore and spoil their quality of life.

A proposal for 24 touring caravan pitches at Yew Tree Farm, Pound Bank, was considered at a Wyre Forest District Council planning meeting on Tuesday last week.

Around 37 letters of objection were received before the meeting, listing complaints including increased noise and traffic, lack of privacy, gangs of youngsters hanging around and nuisance caused by unrestrained dogs.

There were also concerns about one of the proposed entrances, on a sharp bend, said to be an accident blackspot. Worcestershire Wildlife Trust has objected because of increased noise and light, as the site is next to the Quarry Bank Special Wildlife Site.

Council members, who had been recommended to refuse the proposal, agreed, however, to carry out a site visit.

In a report, planning officers stated the siting of 24 caravans would have "a significant adverse effect on the quality and character of the area".

Councillor Chris Nicholls said he felt it was important for his colleagues to see the farm and the land before they made their decision.

Caroline Jackson, of Far Forest, who lives close to the farm and is one of the residents objecting to the plans, said: "We were absolutely amazed and gobsmacked. I just can't understand what they are going to get out of a site visit but we are still going to fight."

She added: "Of the 15 adjacent properties, 14 have lodged written objections. A countryside amenity and our privacy will be destroyed. This is a landscape protection area. It is a beautiful stand-alone field for everyone to enjoy."

The application, submitted by Michael Pound, who has a five-caravan licence and holds rallies, also includes toilet and washing facilities and has received 56 letters of support.

His spokesman and friend, Douglas Godwin, said he was pleased the councillors had agreed to visit the farm and believed the caravan site would help to boost tourism in the area and benefit local businesses.

He added: "It is important that Mr Pound is allowed to diversify so he can continue to make a living."

Planning officer, Julia Mellor, said the site visit was expected to take place on Friday.