THE site of a controversial pig farm near West Malvern has been sold by auction for more than £600,000.

The piggery, at Park Farm, had attracted criticism for its appearance since it was built, some 20 years ago.

But the farm closed about six months ago and the "industrial-style" sheds on the site have been taken down.

The land was auctioned by Malmesbury firm Fielder and James at Runnings Park, West Malvern. There was considerable local interest and about 40 people attended the sale.

Lot one, a half-acre building plot with detailed planning permission for the erection of a four-bedroom house plus the option to purchase a further three acres of land, went to a buyer from Kempley, near Dymock, for £200,000.

Lot two, another half-acre plot with similar planning permission but no land purchase option, fetched £180,000. The buyer was Broadheath Construction of Whitbourne.

Lot three, the former manager's bungalow plus over eight acres of parkland, attracted keen bidding before being knocked down to a local purchaser for £262,000.

Colin Jackson, of West Malvern, said: "The pig farm was controversial from the moment it started because of the industrial-style sheds. They were an eyesore in what is a very pretty part of the countryside. It was also noisy; the noise at feeding time could be heard all over West Malvern.

"I think a lot of people will be quite pleased by this, although some might have wished that the land had been left open, as it was before the pig farm was built."

He said the vendors, Lewis Brothers of Ewyas Harold, were obliged to tear up the concrete aprons which the sheds stood on before the new owners took possession.