PLANS to build a block of flats on a prominent site high on the Malvern Hills have cone under attack from local residents.

The plan, submitted to Malvern Hills District Council by James Milne, is to build 14 apartments in a five-storey building at 50-58 Wyche Road, just to the north of the Wyche Inn.

But residents have decried it as "an intrusive eyesore" and "like something out of Benidorm", as well as voicing fears about the impact on parking.

The site is currently occupied by four buildings with shop fronts that have been vacant for some time, with flats above and behind. It is in the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Malvern Wells Conservation Area.

Mr Milne said he had anticipated objections, but thinks people are overstating the impact of the building.

He said: "We have worked on the design for a long time, and I don't believe it will be intrusive to neighbours and to walkers. From the hillside above it, it will not be intruding into the view.

"At the moment there are nine flats with one one off-road parking space. This proposal includes 16 off-road places, which will be a definte improvement.

The plan, which has already drawn objections from local residents, will be on the agenda when Malvern Wells Parish Council's planning committee meets on Wednesday, October 25.

J Macmillan of Beacon Road described it as "completely inappropriate for its location".

He said: "The design overwhelms its surroundings by its massive size. It would be an intrusive eyesore visible for miles, especially when the sun shines on all its glass."

Susan Hale of Gordon Terrace said: "It will be an eyesore. We need more affordable housing, not more luxury apartments."

Linden Dunham of Lower Wyche Road, described it as"totally inappropriate" and "like something out of Benidorm".

And Helen Gasking of 115 Poolbrook Road said: "The sun already catches on glass or metal in this area, creating a painfully bright glare; the amount of glass in the proposed design would be severely dazzling in certain conditions."

Samantha Charles said: "The proposal is far too large and will blight the landscape of the Malvern Hills.

There will be loss of light and privacy for the adjacent houses and there will be a huge impact on the local environment."

The parish council meeting is at Malvern Wells Village Hall, Wells Road, starting at 7.30pm.