WORRIES about the effect on Malvern Common of changes at DERA have been raised by Malvern Hills Conservators.

A multi-million pound facelift proposed for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency site includes plans to upgrade the Longridge Road access, relieving pressure on gates at St Andrew's Road and Geraldine Road.

Greater use of the Longridge Road entrance could involve building a roundabout or putting in traffic lights to cope with the extra traffic, the Board heard last week.

Members were keen to ensure the scheme did not eat into the Board's land too much and favoured the idea of a mini-roundabout.

Board member Sue Thetford said she felt traffic lights would "urbanise" a lovely area of common.

Recalling the Waitrose development, Roger Hall-Jones said the greatest intrusion into the Great Malvern conservation area had been caused by the widening of the Edith Walk and Graham Road junction, required by Worcestershire County Council.

"It was totally unnecessary and caused a tremendous amount of intrusion into the Conservation Area," he said.

"We don't want a beautiful part of our common spoiled in the same way. This Board should stand clear and be ready to say no."