A DEVELOPER which has been criticised for plans to build houses in the centre of Malvern has hit back at criticisms from the Civic Society.

Elevate Property Group is proposing to build 11 luxury town houses, six apartments and three commercial units off Edith Walk in Malvern in the disused car park behind the Foley Arms Hotel.

The plans were met with criticism from the Malvern Civic Society, who would prefer the site to be a town square known as Elgar Square.

Responding to the criticism, Elevate managing director Steve Dodd said: “Elevate has been working for many years to bring this long derelict part of Malvern back to life and reinvigorate an under-invested area.

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“At every stage our specialist and highly skilled team has worked with local planners to ensure all policy issues have been adequately addressed and that the best quality proposals have been presented for what is unquestionably a tricky site to develop.

“We have been delighted to receive consistent support for our proposals from the town council and planners so far.

“We have been surprised to hear that Malvern Civic Society has concerns about the use of the site at Edith Walk, particularly as there was no previous mention of Town Square proposals in the past or in their formal consultation response to our recent planning application.”

Mr Dodd also pointed out there are no listed buildings on the site, contrary to what the Civic Society said.

Planning consultant Giles Brockbank of Ridge and Partners said: “This is a large, previously developed piece of land in a central location in Great Malvern.

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“The site has been rather neglected over the past decade and is overgrown with two semi-derelict, uncared-for and unlisted buildings on site.

“It is clear there is no aspiration for a square, or indeed anything else for that matter on our site in the development plan.

“We addressed all of this within the Planning Statement. Elevate’s redevelopment proposals will bring activity to the street frontage on Edith Walk, with three commercial/retails units while creating desirable, quality homes just off the High Street that will regenerate this key brownfield site in the most viable way.”

A Civic Society spokesman said it regards the development as an opportunity for regeneration and to provide a focal point for Malvern.

They said:"The concern of the Civic Society is not just the redevelopment of a site which has been vacant for a long time.

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“This is probably the most significant development in the town centre since Waitrose in 1998. This an opportunity to include features that are necessary for the future of the town.

“The identity of Malvern is changing, in particular with the closure of shops of long standing such as Brays and Burleys. Hollymount Church, another Malvern landmark, is currently redundant.

“The concept has been developed in detail. It incorporates a number of suggestions including the need for a visitor centre and a town market.

“MCS would welcome a development which incorporates existing buildings into the development and is able to provide new experiences and stories.”