‘DANGEROUS’ designs have led to work being delayed on the creation of a £3 million visitor centre based on Hagley Hall's grounds.

The News reported in late August that work was due to start within days, but The 12th Viscount Cobham, Chris Lyttelton, said there has been a “glitch” with the planning process.

Lord Cobham said: “We are still waiting to get formal planning approval from highways and we cannot get started just yet.

“The delays won’t affect the time to get open, which is planned for 2017, but we can’t get started on the project for at least the next couple of months.”

A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said the delays are due to safety concerns surrounding the development’s road improvement works.

They added: “When the detailed plans for the works were submitted, concerns were raised over the potentially dangerous design of the deceleration lane.

“We are now assessing revised plans which will hopefully mitigate any safety concerns.”

The centre aims to turn Hagley Park into a major UK tourist attraction, incorporating a restaurant, gift shop, study rooms and a three-bedroom ranger’s house, as well as a children’s play area and parking for up to 180 vehicles.