A statement saying Malvern Community Hospital should be converted into homes after it is replaced has been approved.

The district council's planning committee, which met on Tuesday, approved a draft statement outlining the future of the Lansdowne Crescent site. This will provide a guide for any future development.

It says the Edwardian building should be converted into a maximum of 15 flats, at least half of which should be affordable.

Coun John Tretheway said an ornate water fountain in the hospital's lobby should be protected.

Now the draft has been approved, it will be published on Friday, October 21, and be open for consultation until December 2.

Lansdowne Crescent residents are keeping a close eye on developments. Although they decided to wait until the draft plan was officially published, they said there was a feeling that 15 flats were too many.