RESIDENTS face another three years of uncertainty over the future of a historic abbey in their community after nuns there have been given the all-clear to move up north.

The order of nuns at Stanbrook Abbey in Callow End decided more than two years ago to move as they felt their existing 19th Century premises were too big for them.

Last Christmas, the 24 sisters identified a 36-acre site on farmland at Wass, near Thirsk in the North Yorkshire National Park and were given permission earlier this year by the park's planning committee to build a convent there.

However, it all rested on the Government giving approval, which they have now done.

Speaking on behalf of the nuns, David Hallmark of Worcester's Hallmark's Solicitors said the new monastery would take about three years to build.

He added: "They're delighted planning permission has been granted and the many months of hard work by architects, consultants and community have been successful.

"The nuns now look forward to the exciting and challenging prospect of building the new monastery in North Yorkshire.

"The process of moving from Callow End is a complicated one and no time-scale has been fixed. The community is working closely with its professional advisers."

The news, however, leaves uncertainty hanging over the future of Stanbrook Abbey, which residents have previously expressed concern about.

They fear the site could be developed for industrial or housing use, after the nuns applied for it to be included in the Callow End settlement boundary - which was rejected by Malvern planners and has since gone to appeal.

Ward councillor Coun Tom Wells said he was less concerned about where the nuns were going and more about what would be left behind.

"It's vital we protect the abbey and its associated grounds from any inappropriate development.

"As and when a planning application is made, I intend to call a public meeting in order that we can express our views on any proposal that's submitted."