OWNERS of an Evesham caravan park fear blocks of flats along Waterside could have a damaging effect on one of Evesham's most popular tourist areas.

Cliff and Wendy Crowe have run the Pippins Green Caravan Park on Waterside for the past 35 years.

They are concerned that plans for two three-storey blocks of flats near the site will be intrusive and have a detrimental effect on the area in general.

Mr Crowe said: "We simply feel the Waterside area is so important it should not have high rise blocks of flats on it. Any development that takes place down there should be restricted to two storeys - it is the tourist area of Evesham."

Mrs Crowe said: "The development is going to be absolutely enormous and overbearing - our privacy will have gone. If it was lower we would accept that, but a three-storey building on higher ground is unacceptable.

"We have been here for 35 years and we've never had any problems, but the rooms that will overlook us will be a big difference in our lives. It is a big decision - once it's there it's there forever."

In a letter of protest to Wychavon District Council, the Crowes also highlighted the importance of caravan sites for Britain's tourism industry. A government planning policy statement published last August showed 20 per cent of holiday nights are spent in static or touring caravans.

Despite the couple's reservations Wychavon planning officers have recommended approving the application. A report noted concerns about the impact of the development, but said the height of the flats was necessary for insurance purposes. A final decision on the application is expected to be made at a meeting today.