FIRE-DAMAGED Seaford Court will not be demolished until the district council is sure Malvern's new hospital will be built on the site.

Malvern Hills councillors agreed to demolition in principle but would not grant planning consent until a firm proposal on the hospital is given by South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust.

The trust's application was deferred on Wednesday until the next month's planning committee meeting in the hope of an agreement being reached.

Debate centred on the safety of Seaford Court versus the need for the PCT to sign on the dotted line over the hospital.

Coun Clive Smith said the condition that an irrevocable contract should be signed before permission is granted was too strong.

He said: "I'm sure a statement of intent as strong as the PCT can make will be forthcoming, but an irrevocable contract could take much longer. By that time, kids could get in and have the building collapse on them."

Coun David Houghton Smith said the building was so dangerous the fire brigade refused to go inside.

Coun Mary Wilkinson agreed, saying it should be knocked down before a child fell through the floor.

But Coun Julia Wilden said the council had pledged to do all it could to secure the hospital and approval should be on condition that an irrevocable contract is signed.

Officers also urged caution.

Coun Smith was persuaded to change his proposal for approval to a deferrment. Twelve councillors voted in favour, with two against and two abstentions.

Gillian Goodlad, director of primary care at the trust, said: "The PCT is committed to a new hospital in Malvern and this commitment is not linked to the request for planning permission for demolition Seaford Court. The structure of the building was professionally assessed as being unsafe following the recent fire. For Health and Safety reasons we applied for planning permission as we were concerned someone may be injured on this site."