PLANS to build a block of apartments as part of the next stage of the Malvern Vale development have been given the green light.
The three-storey building, Phase 6 of the scheme, will be constructed on Leigh Sinton Road and include 21 flats – with 19 being affordable.
Proposals which featured a larger block came before Malvern Hills District Council’s Northern Area Development Committee in March but were thrown out with the building labelled ‘ghastly’ and ‘awful’.
But councillors unanimously approved ‘improved’ plans last night (Wednesday) despite fears surrounding parking in the area.
Coun Hannah Campbell, councillor for the Priory ward, said: “This is ten-fold better than the monstrosity we saw earlier this year, the four-storey complex was quite hideous.
“My only concern is with regard to the car parking as it still remains one car per flat and I am very aware across the Vale every property has at least one car, if not two.
“Most people fail to use a garage and park one on the drive and one on the road. I want to prevent this from becoming a car park on the road as it is becoming dangerous.
“I liken it to an Olympic slalom, particularly at night and I fear with this amount of development the traffic problem and car parking issues are going to be exacerbated, not solved.”
A total of 23 car parking spaces, including two visitor slots, will be at the site. Properties will also be offered solely to town residents for the first three months.
Coun John Raine, councillor for West Malvern, added: “This is an amazing improvement on what we last saw and I think it is a creditable step forward.
“I do worry about the consequences of traffic parking around the site as it is already a problem but we have probably pushed it as far as we can and should accept it.”
