A PLAN to build 21 apartments on the site of Bromyard's former hospital has been approved by Herefordshire Council.

The 12 one-bedroom and nine two-bedroom apartments will be linked to the south side of the existing three-storey building at Linton Court.

Permission for the development was originally granted in 1995 and renewed in 2000. The latest application is for the building to be redesigned to increase its width by one metre, re-arrange car parking and create a new access to the south of the existing opening.

Several residents of the 32 existing flats and of nearby properties wrote to the council objecting to the scheme.

At Wednesday's planning meeting, Ben Hiley, who lives near the site, asked councillors to refuse the application.

"It totally and utterly changes the culture and the sociology of the area," he said.

Jeremy Robinson, of applicant Draycott Developments, said visibility and access to the lane would be improved by the development and that car parking at the site would be more accessible and better utilised.

Ward councillor Tom Hunt was in favour of the development. He said: "I feel there are many benefits from this latest scheme."

Laurence Mendes, a resident of Linton Court, did not attend the meeting but wrote to the council.

He said: "This is a beautiful area right next to Bromyard Common. To me it's an abomination that anybody could build an additional two-thirds to what is already here."

He said the development would cause a number of problems, including additional traffic on the A44 and access on to the road, loss of light and the view from his flat and being overlooked by the new building.

Mr Mendes was also concerned about his car parking space being moved and the effect the development would have on local wildlife.

"I bought this home - my dream home - with all the money I had. I feel that it can't be the only place in Bromyard where building is possible," he said.