134-Caravan Holiday Park Proposal Seeks Approval in Malvern Hills District

A planning application has been submitted to redevelop the former Larford Cement and Quarry Works site in Astley, near Stourport, into a holiday park featuring 134 caravan lodges. 

The proposal includes a bar, an outdoor pool, and landscaped areas, aiming to transform the disused industrial site into a year-round holiday destination.

The site has been inactive since 2006, and the redevelopment is expected to generate over £1.5 million annually for the local economy through visitor spending. 

Additionally, the project could create 27 full-time jobs. “The site is going to be very costly to develop but will provide a very attractive and desirable holiday location in a beautiful rural position,” the planning statement notes.

Industry stakeholders may see this as an opportunity to tap into the increasing demand for year-round holiday accommodations, with the development aligning with trends in extended-season tourism. 

The proposed lodge-style caravans will be designated strictly for holiday use, ensuring they are not used as permanent residences while offering operators a consistent revenue stream.

Developer Michael Loveridge has submitted the application to Malvern Hills District Council, with a public consultation open until March 27. 

According to a report by The Shuttle, the application follows a previous proposal from Allens Caravans (Estates) Limited, which sought approval for 111 permanent residential caravans on the same site.

For professionals in the outdoor hospitality sector, the project underscores the potential for repurposing former industrial sites into profitable tourism ventures. 

The development’s scale and year-round model reflect ongoing shifts in consumer preferences, with demand growing for high-quality, well-equipped holiday accommodations outside of peak seasons.

Public input on the proposal can be submitted through the council’s planning portal using reference M/24/01718/FUL.