OPPOSITION to development plans for The Firs at Kempsey remains un-changed, despite efforts by Elgar Housing Association to allay the parish council's concerns.

Elgar, which has 33 people on the waiting list seeking accommodation for the elderly in Kempsey, wants to build six old people's bungalows in the grounds of a sheltered housing complex.

It also wants to convert flats in the main house for active elderly or younger professional couples.

Five respondents to a recent housing survey carried out by Kempsey Parish Council said they had an immediate need for bungalows, and a further eight felt they might need a bungalow within the next five years.

But parish council members say the development would undermine the original concept of sheltered housing for elderly people at the Firs.

Having consulted local people before submitting the plans, Elgar believed it had support for its proposals and was disappointed by the council's response last month.

In a letter intended to reassure members, Elgar technical services manager Paul Simmonds said flats in the original house were not popular with elderly people because of the stairs.

Rather than leave them empty, the Association wanted to convert them and offer them to younger people, but was prepared to give priority to active elderly tenants.

The bungalows would be let to elderly people from Kempsey or the surrounding parishes.

In response to worries about putting younger people in the flats, Malvern Hills district councillor Mike Biddle said he would fight the proposal if anyone could name an elderly person who required a flat.

He assured members the bungalows would be designated exclusively for elderly people with local connections, under tighter conditions than those applying to the original sheltered housing development.

But parish council member Mike Harrison said the original purpose of providing sheltered housing at the Firs was being watered down.

"That place is going to be a complete mix and match. They've already opened up the community room to other people," he said.

Members unanimously agreed they did not want to change their objections to the plans.

Afterwards, Elgar commercial director Richard Grounds said he was surprised at the parish council's response.

"We feel it's a good scheme, in the right place, to meet local demand," he said.

"Out of 33 people seeking elderly accommodation in Kempsey, eight live in Kempsey, three in adjacent parishes and some of the remaining 22 may well have local connections."