PROPOSALS to rehouse all departments of Malvern Hills District Council under one roof could end up as "an appalling white elephant", according to a local councillor.

Powick's Tom Wells said he could foresee the district council, Worcester City Council and Wychavon District Council merging to form one unitary authority, rendering the proposed £4.6 million project redundant.

Despite his reservations, members of the council's executive committee approved the principle of a single site on Tuesday (November 19), and recommended the allocation of £50,000 to investigate the idea further.

The move was tabled to enable the council to meet building standards required by the Disability Discrimination Act by 2004. A feasibility study by consultants recommended a move to new buildings at the council's Pickersleigh Road refuse depot as more cost-effective than refurbishing current offices.

Although admitting he was not absolutely against the idea, Coun Wells raised concerns.

"There's more and more of a close relationship between the three south Worcestershire councils," he said. "This quite clearly may end up with a unitary authority before too long.

"I'm therefore reluctant, at this stage, to commit myself to something that very soon may become an appalling white elephant. Common sense tells me that a South Worcestershire authority wouldn't be based in Malvern."

In defence of the proposed move, Coun Paul Cumming said a single site would open up opportunities for the council to forge new partnerships, improve efficiency and lower everyday running costs.

The board's recommendations will be discussed at a full council meeting on Tuesday, November 26.