THE scale and impact of plans to turn a former Malvern nursing home into flats has led to a recommendation that the application be withdrawn.

Property developers wanted to turn St Briavel's, on Pickersleigh Road, in Malvern Link, into 18 flats with parking spaces.

But planning officers from Malvern Hills District Council have written to the agents of Colwall-based Regal Executive Homes indicating their concerns and requesting withdrawal of the application. If the plans in their current form are not withdrawn, officers may recommend refusal.

Planning officer Andrew Moody said the concerns were for the size of the development, the impact on neighbouring properties, the impact on the conservation area and traffic and car parking issues.

Local residents wrote to the council with similar objections shortly after the plans were submitted.

"Obviously we're very pleased. No-one living nearby was happy with the plans," said Pickersleigh Road resident Norman Worley.

Speaking for Regal, planning agent Sarah Gauntlet confirmed the developers were looking at amending the plans and would be having further discussions with the council's planning department about the site.