MORE affordable housing could be on its way to Malvern, with plans to build 14 new homes on the site of a disused health centre in Malvern Link.

Markey Construction has applied for permission to demolish the former Malvern Health Centre in Victoria Park Road and replace it with five houses, three bungalows and six flats of between one and three bedrooms on behalf of Elgar Housing Association.

The scheme is being backed by £728,000 of funding from the Government’s Homes and Communities Agency and, if the planning application is successful, Elgar intends to start building at the site in April, with a target completion date of March 2011.

A total of 15 parking spaces would also be provided on the 2,416 square metre site.

Richard Grounds, Elgar’s commercial director, said it was important to meet the need for more affordable accommodation in Malvern.

“It is vital in the current economic downturn that we continue to build and provide vital accommodation that local people can afford,” he said. “With this new scheme we will be providing a number of properties for rent in a fantastic location.

“With this and the highly successful Malvern Vale development Elgar is ensuring there are local homes for local people.”

Coun David Hughes, who is responsible for housing at Malvern Hills District Council, is pleased that plans for the health centre site are being developed.

“This particular case is a great example of how this council works closely with housing associations to provide affordable homes for local people,” he said.