A FORMER gospel centre and conference facility in Malvern could be converted into 14 new homes.

The Day of Salvation Ministries wants to turn its lisetd chapel and other buildings in Ranelagh Road, Malvern, into 12 homes, demolish a modern annexe and build two extra units.

The church has applied to Malvern Hills District Council for change of use of the buildings which are mainly grade II listed, but the chapel has a grade II* listing.

Original plans submitted by the church elders prompted a number of objections from local residents who were concerned about extra traffic, the impact on the listed buildings, the conservation area and the siting of a public right of way.

However, amended plans have addressed many of the issues and planning officer Christopher Couper is recommending approval to the council's southern area development control committee which meets tomorrow.

In his report to the committee Mr Couper says: "The work of conversion of the existing buildings have been the subject of considerable negotiation and amendment to satisfy the requirements of officers and representatives of English Heritage. The conversion of the listed buildings is achieved with only limited external alteration and the internal changes are considered acceptable."

He says the two extra units to replace the modern annexe are of a more appropriate and sympathetic design than the exsting building.

Malvern Civic Society is backing the scheme in principle but feels that the chapel could be converted into more apartments.

If the current scheme - for two five-bedroom, four four-bedroom, four three-bedroom and four two-bedroom units - is approved the Day of Salvation Ministries will have to contribute £40,736 towards local education facilities and £45,301 towards recreation facilities.