THE latest proposals for a nursing home on the site of Malvern's old community hospital are getting a hostile response from the town's residents.

The new plan by developer Montpelier Estates for the site in Lansdowne Crescent is for a 46-bed care home, four fewer than in the company's previous plan, which was rejected last year by Malvern Hills District Council.

But like the earlier plan, the new one involves demolition of the old hospital building, which is

Susan Druce of Lansdowne Crescent said: "This plan is inappropriate and unsympathetic, and in no way enhances the historical environment of the crescent. Surely the possibility of a pleasing, practical conversion should be explored more fully before demolition is allowed."

John Leonard of Lansdowne Crescent said: "The design looks like it belongs in an industrial estate and will not enhance the conservation area. The proposed plan does not enhance the area in any way. The existing building is far superior aesthetically and historically."

Mr T Russell of Worcester Road says: "The proposal is an unacceptable monstrosity and an anathema to the pleasant scope of Malvern's present architectural variety.

"To completely do away with this fine and characterful edifice would be outrageous."

Mrs G Stevens of Geraldine Road said: "The NHS took it over without so much as a backward glance and continues to be totally dogmatic about its future. Meanwhile, like so much of their disused property, e.g. Pershore Cottage Hospital, it is being allowed to deteriorate."

Tim and Julia Woolf of Lansdowne Crescent said the demolition proposal is contrary to the council's own policies for the conservation area and the proposed new building will permanently change the character of the crescent."

Parking is an issue as well as conservation. Maurice and Fiona Wiggins of Lansdowne Crescent said: "Parking is currently a problem at certain times. We are concerned that the current provision will not be adequate. The crescent already provides car parking overspill from Lansdowne Terrace and those attending the Methodist Church."

The hospital, a gift to the town from philanthropist C W Dyson Perrins in the early 20th century, became redundant when the new hospital opened in 2011.

Montpelier says that it bis impossible to covert the existing building into a nursing home of modern standards.