A plan to make a fishing lake fully accessible to people with disabilities has suffered a set-back.

This follows the refusal of Malvern Hills Conservators to grant an easement allowing access to the lake across Malvern Common.

The application was made by Adrian Frost, the owner of Lake House, Peachfield Road, who wants to turn the existing lake in his grounds into an angling centre for disabled and able-bodied people.

Conservators said that because the property already had two easements, it would be going against its policy of allowing one easement per property, where possible.

Concern was also raised about the proposed access crossing an existing grass car park on the common.

Director Ian Rowat said: "The car park is already used by people as a resting spot to enjoy the views of the Hills. We don't want to spoil that by putting a track through it."

Mr Frost, a retired entrepreneur, said he was prepared to appeal against the decision.

He said the easement would allow him to maintain the privacy of his home, while allowing access to the lake.

"The whole thing is a charity project, with the British Disabled Anglers Association and it will be quite prepared to take this further," said Mr Frost.

"I think I'm giving enough away without people coming right up to my house.

"There's a very large body of people behind me on this."