Wychavon District Council (WDC) has approved planning permission for a new retail and leisure scheme based on the 'great outdoors' at Evesham Country Park, Worcestershire.

Turley Associations acted on behalf of Eagle One to secure consent for development, which will occupy a 41-acre (17-hectare) site and feature zones based on nature, fun and learning. Evesham Country Park will create a new wetland/wildlife reserve, nature trails, angling areas, a visitor and education centre, a showground, a play barn and 60 holiday lodges.

Proposals also include the potential for the construction of a new cycle and walkway along the River Avon between the country park and Evesham town centre, plus a river taxi service. Eagle One's Simon Tothill said: "The park already attracts 1.46 million visits to the existing garden centre and retail facilities, and when completed will attract an additional 500,000 visitors in its first year, rising to over 900,000 visitors a year after five years."