Offenham Park near Evesham to build new reception and office

Visitors to Offenham Park, near Evesham, are currently greeted by a security barrier and its office operates from a chalet.

Bosses say this has become “too cramped for use” and doesn’t give staff enough space to separate the reception desk from ‘back office’ accommodation.

“The existing chalet is not insulated, requiring a portable heater and often has frozen pipes during the winter months,” they said in planning documents submitted to Wychavon District Council.

Permission has now been given for a purpose-built office and reception area, in which staff can greet customers and carry out the day-to-day running of the park.

“Being purpose built it would be well insulated, energy efficient and accessible to all,” plans state.

“By locating the building on the ‘public’ side of the barriers, at the entrance to the site it will provide an obvious point for visitors to stop before needing to enter the site.

“This will not only improve the welcome given to visitors but will also significantly improve security as only those who need to enter the site with their vehicle will be given access through the barriers.”

According to the plans, the building will have two desks in a reception aerea, with two private offices to allow for more private conversations.

It will also have an outside terrace available to both staff and customers with views of the river, and four parking spaces outside the reception building.

Planning officers said the office would also serve the Fish and Anchor Inn, and the touring caravan site over the road, both of which are owned by the applicant.

The council’s economic development team said: “This is a small scale reception building proposed to be sited to the frontage of the caravan site and to include four car parking spaces to its frontage.

“The presence of a reception building to this established caravan site will help the tourism offer of this site. This will help the overall visitor economy in this part of the district.”