THE Kempsey Conservation Area could be changed to include two new areas, while losing five small existing sections.

Malvern Hills District Council planning committee, which meets on Thursday April 17, is being recommended to make the alterations after its only review in 30 years.

The recent review included a comprehensive local consultation and has come up with suggestions that it should include the south side of Church Street and an area north of Main Road south.

The areas of Garth Court, the dwellings in Meadow Close, the new homes alongside the Stores, the new homes behind Woodland House and the meadows to the south and west of the church have been recommended for exclusion.

The review described the village as having iron-age origins and a distinctive character defined by scattered post-medieval vernacular buildings.

"The area was designated on account of its historic early beginnings and the rich architectural styling of the later properties which are generally set in large gardens," says the committee report.