RESIDENTS in Malvern Wells are banding together to fight plans for an architect's office just outside the village.

Robert Bridge has applied for permission to build in a field to the east of Wells Road, with access between 111 and 113 Wells Road.

The proposed site is next to a public footpath connecting Wells Road with the golf course.

It lies outside the village's settlement boundary, is next to the conservation area and inside the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

More than 30 residents attended Malvern Wells Parish Council's meeting when the plan was debated.

Council member Jan Bowden said: "It didn't get any support at all from councillors.

"Houses facing out across the valley will have a wonderful view of this rather industrial-looking building."

Jill Mico, of Wells Road, said: "It will be out of keeping with the natural beauty of the area. My other concern is the danger to drivers using the access off Wells Road."

Sue Cole, also of Wells Road, said: "This is a part of our landscape that artists frequently paint. This building is totally out of place here."

She wants as many people as possible to lodge objections with the district council, which have to be in by Thursday, October 20.

A statement from the applicant said: "Our intention would be to landscape the site in keeping with this important location within the AONB and the surrounding conservation area."