THE owner of the old Stourport Sports Centre site has defended plans to open a new holiday caravan park, insisting it will increase footfall in the town centre.

A planning application to demolish the derelict leisure centre and open a touring caravan site in Harold Davies Drive was met with concern from residents who say the district doesn't need another caravan park.

But land owner Michael Loveridge says the level of criticism has been unfair, and that the park will attract people from all over the country to Stourport, boosting the local economy.

Mr Loveridge, who owns similar parks in Bewdley and Far Forest, said: "The site was offered for sale as a development opportunity. Owning other local holiday caravan parks in the area, we thought it would be a great investment to create a quality touring caravan park situated really close to Stourport's attractions.

"The new site will create a boost in the town of Stourport, pulling custom in from other areas. The holiday makers will of course be spending money into the town centre creating extra income to the local businesses."

Kidderminster Shuttle:

The application proposes to bulldoze the former sports centre and develop up to 51 touring caravan pitches and a modern toilet facility building, which Mr Loveridge says will improve the look of the landscape.

He said: "The old giant buildings will all be demolished allowing day light and clear vision all around, where as the touring caravans will be screened in as to not really be noticeable.

"The park will also provide jobs for example wardens, cleaners and maintenance persons."

Stourport Sports Centre was closed in July 2016, coinciding with the opening of the £11.9m Wyre Forest Leisure Centre.

To view the proposal in full, visit wyreforest.gov.uk.