A DEVELOPER wants to build more sheltered housing for elderly people in Malvern Link, just yards from a similar development.

Churchill Retirement Living of Hampshire has submitted a planning application to build flats on the corner of Worcester Road and Howsell Road.

Just across Howsell Road is Santler Court, a block of 49 retirement flats. When the flats went on the market last year, some 900 prospective purchasers made inquiries to developer McCarthy and Stone.

The latest scheme is described in the planning application as a three/four storey building, similar in height to Santler Court and slightly lower than the fire station next door.

Plans show the 35 flats in buildings grouped around a courtyard, which opens out on to Howsell Road.

The site, owned by Lockett Property Holdings of Kidderminster, is currently used for car sales. Ther is also an electricity substation, which would have to be moved.

Churchill Retirement Living, which has built a number of similar developments in the south, is hoping to move into the Midlands.

"We always choose areas which have a great deal to offer our customers," said Churchill chairman Spencer McCarthy.

The flats, aimed at the over-80s, will have a manager, security systems and communal facilities.

The principle of development on the site has already been established. In November last year, Malvern Hills District Council approved a plan submitted by Temeside Properties for 11 flats and three houses.