Malvern's North Site went on sale this week.

Agents Drivers Jonas are marketing the former Ministry of Defence land for Defence Estates.

Alex McKinlay, head of public sector development at Drivers Jonas, said that the site would be sold as one all-inclusive lot to a single buyer, but he was unable to say how much it was likely to fetch at this stage.

Mr McKinlay said it was likely the buyer would work with several extra developers on specific elements of the site, such as housing.

"The site is in an excellent situation with relatively few major development problems," he said. "We're anticipating strong demand across the development industry to acquire the type of site that is becoming increasingly rare."

Bids must be received by November 4.

A decision on Defence Estates' planning applications is expected by the end of the year, which, with Malvern Hills District Council's recently adopted development brief, will give the buyer a clear idea of what will be considered acceptable.

Among the issues still to be resolved is the percentage of housing to be designated as affordable, the effect the site will have on Malvern's road network and the placing of a proposed business park.

MHDC said that up to 50 per cent of the 390 homes proposed should be 'affordable', while the application from Defence Estates shows no more than 120 or 30 per cent. The council also recommends that a business park should be to the west of site entrance, while Defence Estates thinks it should be to the north.

Development control manager David Murray said there would be further public consultation on plans later in the year.