A BLOCK of stables could be built in the open Worcestershire countryside next to a listed building.

An application has been lodged with Malvern Hills District Council to build stables for two to three horses and storage space for equipment and feed at The Knowl in Severn Stoke Bank, Severn Stoke.

The block would be 66ft long and in a field next to the A38 to the east and the applicant's property, The Knowl - a grade II listed building - to the west.

Concerns

A couple of residents have written to the council raising concerns over sewerage provision and the size of the building.

Severn Stoke Parish Council has also contacted the council suggesting the building could be smaller and raising concerns over the potential future use of the development and the proposed materials to be used.

But planning officers feel the proposed development would not have a detrimental impact on the listed building and is not in a prominent position when viewed from public vantage points.

They are recommending the application is approved subject to a number of conditions, including descriptions of materials used in construction being submitted to the council before works commence.

The plans are due to be discussed by the district council's northern area planning committee on Wednesday.