Chartered surveyors DM Hall lodged the plans to Inverclyde Council on behalf of its client, Pennine Leisure Ltd.

The new development anticipates an economic boost from the creation of new jobs for local people and the attraction of more visitors to the region.

Kelly Mains is located on the eastern edge of Wemyss Bay and immediately north of the Wemyss Bay Holiday Park. The application is the first of three that, it is hoped, will lead gradually to up to 100 new caravan pitches on the Kelly Mains Farm site which Pennine Leisure is in the process of acquiring.

The new development is adjacent to and compliments Pennine Leisure’s Kellybank Caravan Park which has traded successfully for the past 17 years having grown from 80 caravans/mobile pitches when the company acquired the business to its current 140.

A steady demand both for accommodation and hospitality facilities has encouraged the company to purchase the farm property and develop it to its full potential as an attractive new caravan/mobile homes site.

The planning application also seeks permission for the change of use of Kelly Mains farmhouse to a new restaurant. The adjacent land will also accommodate a caravan/mobile home sales site, as well as car parking, new estate roads and related infrastructure.

Paul Houghton, head of planning at DM Hall, said: “The proposals will hopefully be seen to accord with the Inverclyde Local Development Plan and be supported in due course.

“The need for further tourism accommodation in Inverclyde is officially recognised and the new development will create a number of new jobs for local people, an influx of visitors and a boost to local suppliers.”