PLANS to demolish an historic red brick and slate building in Defford have been submitted to Wychavon District Council.

An application has been made to level Defford House on the Upton Road and replace the building with two new two-storey detached houses with adjoining garages.

The current two-storey traditional property stands on the corner of Crown Lane and its junction with the A4104.

The parish council has objected to the proposal, fearing the new buildings will affect the character and approach to the village.

It believes there are already too many detached, modern properties within Defford and that mature trees would be lost to the proposals.

Councillors instead want to see the existing building, which is currently unoccupied, retained and refurbished.

Three letters of complaints from local residents have also been received.

Planning officers have recommended approval of the development, believing the design of the new buildings could be controlled and would blend in with the recent housing development at nearby Crown Court.

The application will be put to the Development Control and Licensing Committee on Thursday, January 9.