A DEVELOPER has unveiled plans for new flats in the centre of Malvern Link.

An application for land at the corner of Worcester Road and Hampden Road, now home to the Catalogue Bargain Shop, has been submitted to Malvern Hills District Council.

The Revelan Group, of Oldbury, West Midlands, which owns the site, wants to demolish an existing two-storey building and erect a three-storey building with retail space on the ground floor and 14 studio/two-bedroom apartments.

Access and parking would be off Hampden Road, near its junction with Merton Road.

Andrew Dobson, of Revelan, said even if the planning application was granted, building work would not begin soon.

"The existing shop has several years still to go on its lease," he said. "What we're doing with this application is establishing the principle of redeveloping the site."

Mr Dobson said the company has worked closely with planners and conservation officers to come up with an acceptable design.

"The existing building is quite an eyesore," he said. "We want to increase the vitality of Malvern Link by putting in these flats."

A spokesman for the Catalogue Bargain Shop, which employs nine people, confirmed the lease has about eight years to run.

Richard Hammond, of nearby grocers Fruits of the Earth, was happy with the plan

"More flats on the site will bring customers into the Link," he said.