PLANS for a disused former care home in Malvern have stalled again after a scheme to build eight affordable flats had to be withdrawn.

Rooftop Housing wants to convert Adelaide House in Park Road in Malvern into eight affordable flats.

Plans to build two detached houses on the former care home site were put forward last year but also withdrawn.

A controversial scheme to convert Adelaide House into a rehabilitation centre for soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was first put forward in 2014 leading to a public meeting being held.

Rooftop Housing, which is behind the current scheme and was a partner in the previous scheme, had also put forward a plan to build two detached four-bedroom houses in the building's grounds but not for soldiers.

A total of 16 objections were made by neighbours to Malvern Hills District Council saying eight flats was too many and the area was "wholly unsuitable" for affordable low-rent housing because of its location.

Others bemoaned the lack of parking, busy narrow road, infrequent public transport and the lack of facilities within walking distance as reasons for the site being unsuitable for affordable flats.

Other objectors had suggested the number of proposed flats was reduced to two, or four at most, for private use so families who could afford to live in the area could do so.

Eight car parking spaces would have been provided as part of the scheme.

Malvern Civic Society also called for the plan to be rejected because the flats were too cramped and it would be overdevelopment of the area.

Whilst the society did not question the need for affordable housing in Malvern, it said a "combination of very small living accommodation with difficult access did not seem to be a recipe for healthy living."