MP SIR Michael Spicer is planning to canvass residents in Callow End over the future development of Stanbrook Abbey.

The Conservative MP is set to start issuing questionnaires to villagers next week asking them what they would like to see happen to the site.

The move comes following confirmation of talks between Malvern Hills District Council planners and agents acting for the Stanbrook community to explore what would be an acceptable development.

The nuns at Stanbrook are currently looking for a new home after announcing their intention to vacate the Callow End site, where they have lived for 170 years.

The building itself is Grade I listed and the site runs to around 40 acres.

Sir Michael said: "I'm concerned about what's going on here, particularly with the lack of transparency in the discussions which seem to be occurring between the planning authority and the potentially interested parties, but I am particularly concerned that this will end up in some very unattractive and overpowering development.

"I am going to launch a questionnaire this week asking very specific questions about what people in Callow End think."

Sir Michael added that, if there was call for it, he would hold a public meeting.

Prioress, Sister Anna Brennan, said: "There is no planning application with MHDC at the moment, nor is there likely to be in the future. The abbey is not on the market and not for sale as we are still looking for a new home to go to and the two need to work together.

"We are sensitive to the concerns of the village community and want to work with them and will work with them on plans for the monastery site."

In planning terms, the land is designated as part of the countryside and there is a presumption against new build development. The draft Local Plan, published this week, maintains that status.