A CENTRE aiming to develop family parenting within the Malvern Conservation Area could be all set to expand its premises.

Malvern Achievement Services, in Crown House, Abbey Road, Malvern, has been based at its current location since May 2003, when permission was granted to change the use of the premises.

However, the child development and family achievement centre is now keen to build a three-unit residential block behind its existing premises, with a flat-roofed extension on site also being demolished to make way for the new development.

The new building would provide accommodation for families who have been referred to the centre, with staff on hand to assist as and when required.

The centre would remain open during the construction works, with the new accommodation block being built before the old extension is demolished.

But three residents of Abbey Road have objected, saying the proposal is a major over-development of the site and that it would result in a loss of views and privacy.

However, planning officers argue that the principle of development and design, scale and impact upon neighbours is acceptable.

They are recommending permission is granted, subject to the expiry of the consultation period on the amended plans at the end of the month.

The application is due to be determined at a meeting of the district council's southern area development control committee tonight at 7pm.