A CONTROVERSIAL plan to convert agricultural buildings to light industrial and office use at Bestmans Lane, Kempsey, looks likely to be given planning permission tonight.

The plan involves making passing bays in the quiet country lane and is opposed by residents and by Kempsey Parish Council.

In a petition signed by 18 residents, a variety of concerns were raised, including the increase of heavy vehicles using the winding lane, problems with flooding and drainage, the filling in of a pond and the dumping of waste on the site.

The reuse of the buildings for storage and distribution was granted on appeal in 1995, and renewed last year, with the formation of three passing bays.

Malvern Hills planning officers say they could not justify refusing permission for the present application in view of the existing permission.

They believe the size of vehicles and range of movements generated by the proposed new use would be preferable to that already approved.

Light industry and office use would be more suitable in a residential area and be likely to create less noise, dust and disturbance.

Drainage problems already existed in Bestmans Lane and the passing bays would be fitted with trapped gullies to alleviate this problem, says the officers' report, which will be considered by the northern area planning committee this evening.