PLANS to convert a bungalow at Colletts Green into an educational centre for children with emotional and behavioural problems are arousing concern among locals.

Clifford House, a Herefordshire-based child-care and education company, has applied for planning permission to change the use of Dodfield Horn, off Colletts Green Road.

The application shows the bungalow, of a striking modernist design, converted to house six classrooms and a staff room.

"The fact that it is children with problems is not really what we are worried about," said Louise Carter, who lives at Pear Tree Cottage.

"This bungalow is on a narrow unmade lane and they say there will be 100 traffic movements a day, which is a lot of traffic.

"It will also change the character of what is now a purely residential area. We understand that their other school is quite successful and they have expanded around it with portable buildings.

"This bungalow is in a couple of acres of land, and if there is development around it, it would be disastrous for the area."

Malvern Hills District Council has also received objections from other neighbours, Chris Beard and Beverley Bell.

Tom Starkey, director of Clifford House, said rumours the school would be used to house young offenders were not true.

"We are dealing with young people who have emotional and behavioural problems, usually as a result of being from an abusive background. We do not take on young offenders."

He said the school would teach up to 36 children aged 11-16, and would not be used in the evenings or weekends.

"We like to buy properties in large grounds, but it is not for development. We like to have the space," said Mr Starkey.

District councillor Tom Wells said: "It is vitally important that the views of local residents are fully taken into consideration before any decision is made."

Fellow ward councillor Rob Richards, who said he had been contacted by a number of residents about the application, holds a similar view.

He said: "We really need to get all the information before we can comment on the application and nobody should prejudice the plans before we get all those comments."