BETTER views of the 18th fairway should result from the new position proposed for Worcestershire Golf Club's £1 million clubhouse at Malvern Wells.

Planning permission for the development was granted in May, but the club now wants to resite the 1,000 sq metre building four metres further south.

General manager Tom Duke said: "It's only a matter of 13ft but it means the view will be spectacular, both from the clubhouse and from the fairway.

"We have consulted members all through this project and we're continuing to take their ideas and comments into account.

"This is a 120-year-old golf club in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and we want to maintain that and make sure the building is aesthetically pleasing."

At last month's AGM of the club, which is the oldest in the county, 81 per cent of members voted to build a new clubhouse rather than refurbish the old one, which will be demolished.

Mr Duke said: "It dates back in part to the 16th Century but it's not listed because of the amount of extension and adaptation that has gone on over the years. It is buttressed and one wall is bowed six or seven inches."

Club chairman Terry Smith was delighted at the outcome of the vote.

He said: "The long period of uncertainty is now over and the club can plan with confidence for the present and future generations of golfers in the local community."

The new clubhouse would complement the course and the club's reputation, setting the scene for the next century of golf at Wood Farm, added Mr Duke.

Planning permission is now needed for the adjusted plan, which includes an amendment to the car parking layout, but it is hoped to start work next month.

The old clubhouse will remain in use during the 38-week building project.