PLANS to develop a static caravan park in Badsey could add to the value of surrounding homes, one of the men behind the project claimed this week.

Franco Scimeca, of architects ADS, rejected complaints from local residents that the development could knock more than a million pounds off the value of their homes.

Mr Scimeca, who is acting as agent for landowner Michael Pilade, said: "The application will not devalue properties.

"We have carried out a survey throughout the country, including areas of outstanding natural beauty.

"Where such sites have been developed, no devaluation of property has taken place, in fact in some areas it has taken away the uncertainty of the use of the land at the rear of properties.

"The prices of properties have increased and not decreased."

Mr Scimeca was responding after some residents including Henry Wisniewski warned that if the planning application was given the go-ahead he would seek compensation from Wychavon District Council.

He also rejected fears expressed by another resident, Bob James, that the site would be prone to theft.

"On examination of existing sites, there is far less vandalism or theft than on any housing estate one would care to mention and would therefore not place any extra demands on policing in the area as it is found static caravan sites are the most secure homes in the country due to inbuilt security protection systems."

Mr Scimeca also denied that there would be "hundreds of vehicle movements a day", although the application does specify on-site parking for up to 76 vehicles.

"It is anticipated that on information gleaned from existing sites, the maximum is in the order of four to six.

Mr Scimeca added that there had already been "numerous applicants wishing to be accommodated on the site".

The planning application is expected to be considered by Wychavon District Council within the next few weeks.