A DERELICT factory at Link Top in Malvern will be partially demolished to make way for flats.

Severn Vale Homes was granted planning approval for the development at the old Charlesworth plant at 72-74 Worcester Road.

Part of the building is currently home to a motorcycle showroom.

The idea is to keep the oldest part of the building, which used to be the police station, knock down the later additions and build 14 flats.

At Wednesday's meeting of Malvern Hills District Council's southern area development control committee, members approved it unanimously, despite opposition from local residents.

Coun Roger Hall-Jones said: "It will be a joy for Malvern to be rid of this awful building. It's been lying derelict for far too long."

Another application by Severn Vale Homes for homes in Malvern Link was also approved. The plan is for six houses on land next to 72 Somers Park Avenue.

A plan for 11 new flats at a former nursing home on Pickersleigh Road, facing on to the Link Common, was also approved.

Regal Executive Homes will convert 17 Pickersleigh Road and demolish 19 Pickersleigh Road, to make way for the flats. Modern extensions added to the nursing home will also be knocked down.

Coun Hall-Jones said he opposed the demolition of a perfectly sound building, but the plan was nevertheless approved.

Councillors decided to visit a country house at Blackmore Gardens, Blackmore Park, Hanley Swan, where a new lake is planned.

A number of local people have written to object and a 22-name petition has been received by the council.