TWO mobile phone masts could go up on a building on the Malvern hills despite objections from Malvern Wells Parish Council.

Phone firm O2 has applied to put the antennae on the two gable ends of the Wyche treatment works, on Lower Wyche Road, Malvern.

The building, which is already used for masts, is in the Malvern Wells Conservation Area and area of outstanding natural beauty.

The Malvern Hills Conservators have not objected to the application but say they have concerns about the number of applications for apparatus at the site and its visual impact on views to and from the hills.

Malvern Wells Parish Council reiterated previous concerns over the "proliferation of equipment" on the outside of the building.

Malvern Hills District Council planning officer Andrew Moody is recommending planning permission is granted.

His report to a council planning committee meeting next Wednesday says the proposed masts would be 2.8 metres lower than the existing antennae and, while they would be seen from Lower Wyche Road, Wyche Road and footpaths on the hills, they would not be intrusive if an appropriate colour was used.

He said: "Sharing an existing site, while using an existing building, would be preferable to a new facility in the vicinity."