A proposed flat development on the site of a former doctor’s surgery was approved by planners - despite many objections being raised.

The proposal for the site on Pickersleigh Road in Malvern, contains plans for a total of 16 apartments to be constructed along with car parking and landscaping.

During the consultation process, six objections to the development from residents have been sent to Malvern Hills District Council.

People have set out worries about “overdevelopment” and that the construction would “harm the character of the area” and the proposal would “reduce neighbouring occupiers’ privacy, with the garden to the doctor’s surgery having previously been mature and extremely private.”

Another statement called for a reduction in the number of flats proposed to ten,thereby creating a smaller footprint and concerns were also expressed with regards to the increase in traffic, aggravating congestion in Malvern.

The landscape officer for MHDC raised an objection to some of the trees being removed.

A conservation officer stated the proposed scheme would be detrimental to the 18th century Link Farm, a listed building nearby, due to the stark contrast in architectural styles.

West Mercia Police’s designing out crime officer raised concerns with the issue that there is “no further detail around how natural surveillance will work through the scheme or details about access control and general security - plus cycle storage under the stairs is not a desirable feature.

“As there is little or no surveillance over this area cycles will be vulnerable to theft, therefore residents are unlikely to use them and simply store cycles within their homes.”

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A housing officer is supportive of the development as it would meet the need for affordable housing in the area.

The build will consist of the traditional use of bricks with some timber cladding.

Four one bedroom and twelve two to three bedroom flats have been submitted and the former empty surgery would be demolished.

The site was granted planning permission in June 1976 for the erection of a house with a garage.

A previous planning application for 20 flats was rejected at the site.