CONSERVATION groups and protesters are celebrating after plans to demolish a landmark Bromsgrove building were rejected.

BUPA Care Homes wanted to knock down Abberley House, at 223-229 Worcester Road, and replace it with a new three-storey purpose-built block for 45 residents.

However, the plans were rejected by Bromsgrove District Council planning committee on Monday after the Victorian Society, the Bromsgrove Society and 22 other people objected to the scheme.

The house, which dates back to 1824, is not statutorily listed, but is a candidate for a local list of important buildings.

"This is on the main approach into Bromsgrove and a building here needs to be of quality," said a report to the committee by conservation officer John Stagg.

Mr Stagg added that the new design would have none of the "elegance and dignified proportions" of the existing building and the central three-storey block would be too dominant in the surroundings.

The Victorian Society believes the house could be restored and the Bromsgrove Society also suggest restoration, which it "badly needs", with possible extension to the rear. A previous application for demolition of the house, which is separated into flats, was refused in 2003 and an appeal was rejected.

At Monday's meeting Councillor Jean Luck (Ind-Alvechurch) said: "BUPA is a nationally respected organisation and it is a nice building, but just not on that site."

Cllr Brian Fuller (Con-Hillside) added: "Care homes do need support and people are concerned they may not be able to get relatives into care. But this application does seem a step too far."

The committee refused the application and also rejected a suggestion from BUPA that the application be deferred.