A LOCAL caravan park could be set for a major expansion after bidding to buy farmland beside its site.

Pennine Leisure has applied for planning permission to expand Kellybank Caravan Park in Wemyss Bay and install additional facilities including a new restaurant.

They have earmarked a large field for 50 new caravan pitches, up from the current 140, and there are also plans for a children's entertainment centre.

The caravan park owners say business is booming and the expansion would meet growing demand, boost tourism and enable them to add to their workforce

A business plan submitted to the council says: "When we heard that Kelly Mains Farm was being put on the market in the spring, we soon concluded that was an opportunity we should explore.

"Although a major investment for us, it provides a unique opportunity to enable us to expand the size of the park and allows us the space to provide additional facilities requested by our customers."

Additional pitches, parking and play parks are set to be created if the proposals get the green light.

The business plan says: "If we are successful in acquiring the farm, our initial plans are to develop the front field which overlooks the Firth of Clyde for up to 50 neatly laid out pitches, with plenty of play and parking areas in a layout, which would be similar to that owned by Parkdean on the land adjoining.

"It is intended that each pitch will have, at least, a partial sea view.

"The existing farmhouse could be converted into a bistro/restaurant catering predominantly for caravan owners, rental occupiers and their families although passing walkers and locals would also be welcome.

"Alternatively, we would seek to construct a purpose-built bistro including office space, alongside the farm house, where we understand a chalet previously existed.

"We believe, from local advice and our own experience that there is a need for this facility."

The statement continues: "Further projects would be to develop fields to the north east again catering for new pitches neatly spaced, with good access, visitor parking and play areas.

"We would intend to sell mobile homes for use on the pitches and may also, as a new venture, put our own mobile homes on other pitches, which we will then rent out to people to vacation in."

It is also expected that the potential expansion would create at least six jobs.

The application is being considered by Inverclyde Council.