A CONTENTIOUS plan to build a new house in the grounds of an imposing house in the Kempsey conservation area has been recommended for approval at tonight's planning meeting in Malvern.

A decision on the plan for Woodlands, in Old Road North, was deferred last month so that district councillors could visit the site.

The parish council has objected strongly to the proposal and there have been numerous letters of objection from Kempsey people worried about the effect of infill development on the rural scene.

However, Malvern Hills planning officers are satisfied with the design of the proposed house and do not believe it would detract from the character of the conservation area.