SOUTH Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson has voiced his opposition to plans to build 35 holiday lodges on green belt land near Kingswinford.

The plan, submitted to South Staffordshire District Council, seeks permission to build a new holiday home park with 35 lodges, a shop, car parking and a toilet/shower block on a 3.3-acre site within green belt off Ashwood Lower Lane, next to the River Stour and Ashwood Marina.

A design and access statement submitted on behalf of the applicant said the holiday chalets would be "single storey and constructed from natural materials ensuring they blend effortlessly within the landscape" and it adds: "The proposed development proposes to enhance the tourism offer in this location of Kingswinford, adjacent to the marina and none of the chalets are proposed to be occupied year-round."

Residents living near the proposed holiday site, however, have raised fears the development would bring increased traffic and noise to the quiet, countryside area and also cause disruption to wildlife.

Concerns about flooding have also been highlighted and worries about work taking place on a site, a large field formely divided and used for equestrian pursuits, which contains the remains of a Roman camp.

Mr Williamson MP said of the plans: “As part of my commitment to protect South Staffordshire’s greenbelt I will vehemently object any inappropriate development plans which seek to build on this protected land.

"I have written to South Staffordshire District Council to communicate my strong objections to these proposals and I will continue to work with residents and to call for them to be thrown out."

Objector Anna Marie Tew, who lives at Ashwood Marina, said: "The proposal would be inappropriate for this area. Ashwood is not regarded as a tourist attraction it is a private business and home to several residents who live here all the year round.

"I cannot see any benefits to local residents for this scheme."

Another objector, Mr P G Handley, said: "The Roman activity on this site is important and needs to be protected so that future archaeologists can conduct investigations."

While Julie Tranter, who moors her boat at Ashwood Marina, said: "I chose this marina due to the privacy, peace and tranquility of the area. I will be overlooked and no longer have any privacy. The noise that will be generated will be very unwelcome in the community and there is no call for a development of this kind in this area.

"There is historical interest in the land that should be preserved not destroyed by something that no one wants or needs."