Beauty spot lodge plan

Holiday cottages with a swimming pool could be built on the outskirts of Bewdley if planners give the go-ahead.

An application has been submitted by Pamela Cheadle of Bower Hill, to Wyre Forest District Council for the development at Bower Hill.

It would see the construction of seven holiday lodges at the site, which is close to tourist attractions including the Severn Valley Railway and West Midland Safari Park.

The single-storey, timber-clad cottages would have two bedrooms, a living area, kitchen and bathroom as well as a small balcony.

They would be built around a new pool and the application also includes reception facilities, changing rooms and toilets.

Designers plan to help the development fit in with its natural surroundings and attractive wildlife of the area.

The pool will provide an area for collecting rainwater, which will provide a sustainable water resource that will help in the running of the site.

Additional trees will be planted and an orchard is proposed which will enable produce to be harvested and sold in the local area.

A report to the district council states: "The proposed development will also be of advantage to people who want to visit the area and enjoy the rural surroundings.

Severn Valley Railway spokesman, David Wilcox, said: "The Severn Valley Railway is a tourism magnet in its own right and does attract people. It does bring people to the area and part and parcel of that is accommodation of all different sorts.

"I have not seen the plans but it sounds like it is part of the natural growth of the Severn Valley and tourism in the Severn Valley area."