A PLAN to develop farm buildings near Barnards Green as housing was given the go-ahead this week by Malvern Hills District Council.

Farmer John Bullock applied to convert the existing Grade II listed buildings at Mill Farm, off Guarlford Road, to eight residential units.

The farm is mostly surrounded by houses which have been built up over the past 20 years.

The proposal includes closing the existing access at the centre of the farmhouse and using the farmyard access to reach the new buildings.

The plan was recommended for approval by planning officers, although the Highways Partnership said the access was too close to the junction of Eston Avenue on the opposite side of Guarlford Road.

Coun Roger Hall-Jones (Priory) said the crescent driveway in front of the farmhouse should be retained, as it was an important feature of the listed building.

The southern area planning sub-committee approved the scheme in principle, delegating final approval to planning officers, subject to receipt of a detailed plan showing the treatment of the courtyard.