CONTROVERSIAL plans to demolish an "integral" part of the famous Chateau Impney Hotel and replace it with a new bungalow have been given the green light.

Councillors on Wychavon's development control committee have given permission to demolish the existing Middle Lodge.

Impney Hotels, which owns the impressive Droitwich building, will now erect a new bungalow and garage elsewhere on the site for the manager to live in.

The plans, which were revised after a similar application was refused in February, also involve landscaping the front entrance of the hotel, where the existing building is.

Work can now go-ahead on the development, despite fierce opposition from the Droitwich History and Archaeology Society, the Droitwich Spa Civic Society, and from at least half a dozen residents.

Lyn Blewitt, chairman of the History and Archaeology Society, said she was "saddened" by the decision.

"I wish the councillors had not decided to do what they did, it is very sad," she said.

"The decision will change the landscape of the Chateau Impney, which has remained virtually unchanged since entrepreneur John Corbett built it."

Resident Christine Jackson, of Mill Cottage, Impney, was outraged that the plans had been approved.

"The proposed replacement bungalow will be in Green Belt land approximately a quarter of a mile away from the lodge to be demolished," she said.

"This land should be preserved and left as it is otherwise other applications might follow and the parkland would end up as a housing estate.

"I have lived here 42 years and do not wish to see the peace and tranquility disturbed by a modern bungalow for a manager alongside my home and garden."