MALVERN’S long-awaited new £19 million hospital could take a step closer to becoming a reality next week if district councillors approve detailed plans for the site.

Proposals by Worcestershire Primary Care Trust will go before Malvern Hills District Council southern area development control committee on Wednesday.

The scheme aims to provide 24 beds, out patient facilities, clinics, minor injuries and assessments, diagnostic facilities, space for a mobile MR (magnetic resonance), CT (computed tomography) and mammography units, day treatments and procedures, out of hours GP services and a range of health improvement initiatives and complementary services.

The plans for the site of Seaford Court, off Worcester Road, near Malvern Link Station, which is in the Trinity Conservation Area, will allow for future expansion with the possibility of an extension over a single storey wing and through its internal layout.

Malvern Civic Society has expressed a number of concerns about car parking, vehicle access, landscaping and the loss of trees as a result of the development. Following the society’s comments, the project architect has amended the design of the tower for the 3,680 sq metre Y shaped building by increasing the amount of glazing to reduce its impact.

Individuals have also suggested a pedestrian crossing should be installed, construction hours should be limited and a limit on the development to minimise its impact on the character of the area.

The council’s head of development control Duncan Rudge is recommending approval as long as there are no objections from the county archaeological service or the council’s landscape officer and the revised design for the tower is confirmed.