A new council office is needed because current buildings are unsuitable, according to Malvern Hills District Council.

At the moment, staff are split between the Council House, Brunel House, Portland Road and Highlea, with public inquiries dealt with at the Customer Contact Centre at the library.

David Wood, director of resources, said many of the buildings were in poor repair.

"Some are freezing cold in the winter and boiling hot in the summer. It's difficult to install new technology in them," he said.

Mr Wood said the council was still committed to reducing the number of its buildings, although the single-site option had been abandoned in 2003.

Deputy leader Coun Clive Smith said: "The existing offices need a lot doing to them. A new building would ultimately be value for money and would be financed by the sale of existing buildings. There would also be efficiencies of scale from having the staff on one site."

The proposed building, next to Brunel House, would provide accommodation for workers based at Highlea and Brunel House, plus some from the Council House. Mr Wood said the exact number was not yet decided.

A fuller report is due to go before the executive committee on Tuesday, January 24, and full council the following week.

Not all councillors are happy with the idea.

Coun Roger Hall-Jones said: "I have very serious misgivings, because the noises from central government about local government reorganisation are stronger than ever.

"It also seems strange that the council is contemplating spending this money when they are shutting public toilets for lack of money."

Coun Serena Croad said: "If we had gone for the Brunel House option in 2002, it would have cost us £4.6 million. Now it will cost nearly £2 million more."

Buildings which might be sold

Highlea

History: Built in the 1870s, formerly a private hotel.

Currently: A council office, accommodating 37 staff.

Rockliffe

History: Was built, probably in the 1870s, by the architect Haddon, who was responsible for several important buildings around Malvern.

Currently: Rented out to Malvern Architects, ESO, Kevin Nagle (solicitor), Sylvia Withers.

Portland House

History: Was built in the late 1850s as apartments and later became a hotel.

Currently: A council office, where 67 staff work.

Milbourne Lodge

History: Built in the 1880s as a private house.

Currently: Rented out to Community First, CALC, Agenda 21, plus companies Financial Variations and Webnet Systems.

Whitbourne Lodge

History: Built in the 1880s as a private house, later the council treasurer's office and water board office.

Currently: Rented out to ARCOS.