KEMPSEY music producer Muff Murfin has quashed speculation that he is about to retire or move his recording studio from the Old Smithy in Post Office Lane, Kempsey.

An outline plan to demolish the studio and build three houses on his back garden was just a matter of "testing the water," he said.

He was thinking ahead to what he might be able to do when he retires in four or five years' time.

Mr Murfin, a former music and PE teacher at Christopher Whitehead Secondary School, established the recording studio in his back garden in 1977.

Over the years he has recorded well known names including The Drifters, Black Sabbath, Alvin Stardust, Robert Plant and the ELO.

His planning application for the studio site raised objections from Kempsey Parish Council last week, amid concerns about the narrow access onto a busy lane and the possible effect on flooding.

The plan also gave rise to speculation that Mr Murfin could be about to move or retire.

"All I have done is apply for outline permission for the bottom of my garden for when I retire, four or five years down the road," he said.

"I won't want a big garden to look after, so I thought of building some houses there.

"I don't understand the parish council's objections over the access. There are two drives here and during the course of the day there could be anything up to 100 cars coming in and out.

"If we had three houses instead of commercial premises, there would be far less traffic here."

Mr Murfin said he felt he had done his bit to improve the safety of Post Office Lane a few years ago when he gave 6ft of his front garden for road widening and a footpath.

Malvern Hills District Council will determine the outline planning application for the demolition of the studio and building of three houses and garages.