A DEVELOPMENT of 14 flats could be built behind shops in the centre of Malvern Link.

A planning application has been lodged for a site behind pizza delivery outlet Domino's, in Worcester Road.

It is described as a traditional development with flats being accessed via an arched drive-through en-trance.

The site is used unofficially by customers of the nearby Bakery Inn.

The area is also occupied by a range of old block-built, flat-roofed buildings and is also used as a delivery area.

Landlord Mike Dean, who took over The Bakery six months ago, said he knew about the development plans when he took it the venue on.

"My only concern is that currently our car park is very busy at lunchtimes and these customers who come for our pub lunches will have to park elsewhere in the Link," said Mr Dean.

He also wondered whether being so close to a pub was ideal for residents of the new flats.

"There could be a noise problem for them, particularly if we opened later at the weekends under the new licensing laws," he said.

Hairdressers Carolyn Middleton and Julia Morris at Top Banana said new flats might mean new customers.

However, they were concerned that the development might affect access to their own parking area.

The new properties will have parking spaces and access will be from Pickersleigh Close.

This small road will be resurfaced when the flats are built.

The site and the Domino's premises are in private hands and the planning application has been submitted by the owner Watin Ltd of Malvern Wells.

The company declined to comment when approached by the Gazette & Reporter.