A DELIGHTED couple have finally had their plan to convert a disused farm at the foot of the Malvern Hills into a physiotherapists practice for people and horses approved after two years.

Physiotherapists Tim and Rhiannon Bradford, who have run Bradford’s Veterinary Physiotherapy for 13 years, can now move its headquarters to Coton Cottage Farm off Hanley Road in Malvern to build a new practice.

Rhiannon Bradford, heads up the human clinics while her husband Tim runs Bradford’s Veterinary Physiotherapy, treating some of the UK’s elite dressage horses including those who competed at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

Mrs Bradford said: “We’re absolutely delighted with Malvern Hills District Council’s decision.

“The business is now 13 years old, but we knew right from the off that this is what we were aiming for.

“From a business point of view, to be able to operate from one site is absolutely fantastic.

“All of our patience, all our hard work - it feels like it’s finally come together.”

The plans include two treatment rooms, offices, changing rooms, a gym and a waiting room.

The couple had a plan to open a practice at the same site rejected in January this year over fears it would "significantly harm" and "intrude" on the views of the Malvern Hills.

The council was reassured by the new application as it would see no trees cut down or hedgerows removed, the public right of way through the site would not be affected and the car park had been moved to sit within the buildings to reduce the visual impact on the Malvern Hills.

The disused former small dairy farm, which has a number of agricultural buildings, stables, paddocks and an outdoor riding area, was purchased by the couple in November 2016.

The site, which sits on the edge of the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and next to the Three Counties Showground, was chosen because of its location and access as well as coming already equipped with equestrian facilities.