A CARAVAN park hoping to extend its opening period is appealing against a council decision to refuse its planning application.

The owners of The Wharf Inn static holiday caravan park at Holt Heath wanted to open during the months of March, November and December, which would be an extra three months to its current licence.

But, due to fears of flooding, Wychavon District Council refused the application.

It said that because the site lay within the flood plain of the River Severn, where generally the flood season was October, November and December, any occupancy within these times would add to the area's risk of flooding.

In its notice of refusal the council stated: "It is considered that by extending the occupancy period of the site to include the flood season, the caravan occupants could, in times of flooding, have no safe dry access from each unit.

"In addition, they would be at greater risk of damage or overturning caravans through the action of debris being washed downstream and thereby would be additional demand on the emergency services."

But the owners have disputed these claims in their appeal to The Planning Inspectorate, saying that other caravan sites within the flood plain have been granted consent for extended opening.

Anyone wanting to comment on the appeal should do so in writing by Monday, April 25.