SO there are no plans to turn Rose Farm Barn into a house "at the moment" (Malvern Gazette, February 11).

The barn conversion that has been going on in recent weeks has been closely watched by many in the area who know the history of Rose Farm and the persistent attempts to develop housing on this site.

It is a history going back over 25 years. The application for planning permission for conversion of the barn in July 2001 was only one of the most recent episodes.

Now we see a luxury conversion for fortunate livestock who may not actually be able, however, to get through the narrow front door to enjoy the view from the new windows.

Only the most nave observer could believe that what has been done to the barn is not a preparation for full conversion to a dwelling for human occupation.

Moreover, the ground is being prepared, no doubt, for the next planning application for barn conversion of this Trojan horse which will lead, in turn, to another application after that for a full housing development on this site on the same kind of scale as the plans put forward as long ago as 1978.

It is extraordinary that David Murray (head of development control at Malvern Hills District Council) calls this a "repair" and appears to want to play down the real significance of what has has been done already to a wrecked barn, very little of which remained standing until a few weeks ago.

Eric H Jones (Dr.), Bamford Close, Guarlford.