A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to build holiday lodges in woodlands just outside Malvern looks set to come before planners later this month.

The Three Counties Agricultural Society has applied to build 50 lodges and a reception building in Langdale Wood, across Blackmore Park Road from the showground.

But the proposal has been opposed by people who walk in the woods, which are designated as a Local Wildlife Site.

Now the application looks set to be on the agenda when Malvern Hills District Council's southern area planning committee meets on Wednesday, January 17.

A petition launched by opponents in November has attracted 1,599 signatures of support, and it will be presented to the committee at the meeting.

This week, Malvern Community Forest says it wants to apply to make the woodland an Asset of Community Value if the planning application is rejected.

Under the Asset of Community Value scheme, which was enacted in the recent Localism Act, the owners of a property are obliged, if they put it up for sale, to allow a six-month waiting period to give community groups time to prepare their own bids.

Ken Timms, of Malvern Community Forest, said: "We can't make the application whilst the planning application is still active, but if it is rejected, we will be going ahead.

"We feel there is a huge disparity between local feeling and the Three Counties Agricultural Society. We would like to be a third party that can help facilitate a constructive solution, rather than being in opposition to the society."

Members of the Save Langdale Wood Campaign will be holding a vigil outside the Council Chamber off Avenue Road on January 17, and will also be speaking at the meeting.

The campaigners held a candle-light vigil at the wood just before Christmas, which attracted about 30 protesters.

The Three Counties Agricultural Society lodges development is necessary to secure its financial future and claims that a lack of accommodation in Malvern has affected visitor numbers.