Plans to expand a caravan park over land the size of 18 football pitches has been given the go-ahead.

Bosses of Birchington Vale Holiday Park believe the extension into fields in Shottendane Road will generate an extra £3.4 million for the local economy each year.

They say the development - which will create up to 115 new caravan plots - will help them take the complex to a "high modern standard" and attract "the more discerning" tourist.

In papers lodged with Thanet District Council, the firm says: "This proposal provides a direct business benefit to its local area.

"Direct spending by tourists creates multipliers in the local economy, providing vital additional income for small businesses, resulting in greater economic diversity and job creation."

The development will increase the size of the 94-acre holiday park by about a quarter.

And its owners say such a development "should be expected in the countryside".

A nine-hole golf course is situated next to the plots earmarked for the expansion - which the developer argues is in a "low-lying, well-screened location".

The documents add: "The proposed development will provide material economic benefits to the local economy.

"It will add an additional £3.4 million per annum generated by the visitors attracted to the district.

"There will also be spin-off revenue into the local economy for the benefit of businesses in the region of £6 million per annum."

When approving the plans, Thanet District Council officers noted neighbours had not objected to the scheme.

They also argued the project would "respect the character of the local countryside".

"It is not considered that the change of use of the land for the siting of static caravans would have any additional harmful impact on surrounding occupiers," the officials said.

"It is considered the proposed extension to the existing holiday park would be of a scale and design which respects the character of the local countryside and landscape."

The local authority has also placed a condition on the site preventing the holiday homes from being lived in on a permanent basis.

The park, which charges £34 a night for a stay, is also equipped with its own pool, bar, restaurant and shop.