THE future of a popular Malvern town centre nightspot is in doubt as its owner applies to convert the building into housing.

Jonathan Roe opened up Priors Croft, Grange Road, in December 2005, when it was hailed as a major boost to the town's night-time economy.

But now he wants to convert the Victorian building into three townhouses, and to build three more townhouses in the grounds.

Although the application has just gone in to Malvern Hills District Council, it has already attracted the support of one owner of neighbouring properties, who complains about noise and unsocial behaviour outside the venue.

However, closure of the venue is likely to be unpopular among local clubbers.

Mr Roe declined to comment about the application this week, but a statement which forms part of the application says: "The night club locally is seen to be a 'bad neighbour' and the proposals provide an opportunity to breathe new life into an interesting architectural composition within the Conservation Area."

And MHDC has received a letter in support of the application from Protea Properties, owner of a number of nearby properties.

It says: "We are constantly being advised by our tenants of the noise and general unsocial behaviour of people exiting at the end of late-night sessions at Priors Croft.

"These tenants have witnessed people exiting the club and congregating around their residences in Grange Road prior to discarding bottles etc.

"We very much welcome the application on the grounds that the removal of the venue would greatly enhance the area."

The opening of Prior's Croft, opposite Malvern Theatres, was welcomed by MHDC's economic development department, which said: "This will enhance the evening economy of Great Malvern and improve the town for residents and visitors alike."

The building itself, with its distinctive Victorian architecture, dates back to 1874 and for many years was the office of a firm of solicitors, as well as acting as headquarters for the Malvern Hills Conservators.

In 2008, Mr Roe won planning permission to build a 300-capacity function room behind Priors Croft as a live music venue, but the plan was never acted upon.