THE Kidderminster company behind plans to build luxury holiday lodges near to Wyre Forest Nature Reserve says it could be forced to close by the end of the year if the proposal is rejected a second time.

Mobile park home manufacturer CS Vanguard, based in Spennells Valley Road, wants to demolish two farm buildings on agricultural land in Pound Bank, between Bewdley and Cleobury Mortimer, to make way for 13 holiday cabins.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Inside one of CS Vanguard's luxury holiday cabinsInside one of CS Vanguard's luxury holiday cabins

Director Clare Sandford said the company has been hit hard by cancellations as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and could collapse altogether if the project is unable to go ahead.

Clare said: “There are lots of people whose livelihoods rely on these plans going ahead. The holiday lodges would bring a boost to tourism in the local area.

“A tepee-style wedding venue was recently set up in the Wyre Forest and we’ve already had a lot of interest from couples who want to hire the lodges for their guests.

“We’ve had orders cancelled left, right and centre since the coronavirus outbreak. Not only is this a great development in the area, but it’s essential to keep our company going.

“If not, there is every chance we will be forced to close by the end of the year.”

Kidderminster Shuttle: What the luxury holiday cabins would look likeWhat the luxury holiday cabins would look like

An initial planning application was refused by Wyre Forest District Council last year after concerns were raised that the lodges would have a damaging effect on the landscape.

Clare says a further refusal could also result in her family losing their home if the business goes under, as she lives on the development site and would have to sell.

She said: “To deny this application in these unprecedented, difficult and challenging times would be a tragic blow to local employment and to the business itself.

“We very much want to be a part of the solution and we are absolutely desperate to avoid closure and adding to the economic burden of mass unemployment.

“By gaining approval of the small and upmarket holiday site, not only would it bring increased trade for the surrounding area which relies heavily on tourism, it would also secure the safety of over 20 to 30 existing job positions at CS Vanguard and create a number of brand new job opportunities, as we would require a number of local cleaners, handymen, groundsmen, general maintenance and admin staff to run the site."

Kidderminster Shuttle: This is how the luxury holiday cabins would look insideThis is how the luxury holiday cabins would look inside

Clare says the project would create between eight and 12 jobs in the area.

Wyre Forest District Council said the application was progressing, but said a number of objections had been received.

Rock Parish Council voted to recommend refusal of the plans in January on the grounds that it was “inappropriate development within the rural location”.

The parish council also raised concerns over the “poor” access off the A456, a “lack of suitable drainage”, and the development’s impact on endangered species living on the site.