PLANS for a new roof unit at Malvern Theatres have been backed by councillors.

At a meeting of the Southern Area Planning Committee, plans for new machinery on the roof of the venue were approved.

Under the plans, the existing rooftop plant machinery and air-conditioning units will be removed and replaced.

There are two main elements to the proposal; the extension to the lift shaft and the proposed air unit.

Planning documents read: "The additions proposed as part of the current development would not be visible from the east and not easily visible from the west due to screening provided by other parts of the theatre complex, furthermore, as the plant itself will be set back significantly from the front of the building, it would not be easily viewable from the front of the building on Grange Road.

"However, glimpsed views from the Priory and west at higher ground could be possible.

"Overall with the inclusion of a suitable screen to the west side of the plant, it is considered the development would not harmfully detract from the appearance of the Theatres complex or result in any adverse impacts on the setting of the listed buildings within the area, or have any impact on the character of the Conservation Area."

The plans are part of the existing work to revamp and refurbish the theatres complex, for which plans were announced last year.

Once complete, the theatre will see the extension of the Malvern Theatres complex to provide an additional dance and rehearsal studio space, associated offices and other facilities.

Commenting at the meeting, Cllr Natalie McVey said she saw no reason to object to the plans, which were before the council only because it is the owner of the theatre building.

She said: "I think we all agree this is just before us because the council owns the theatres.

"It isn't the most aesthetically pleasing building or part of the building, but any concerns I had in terms of noise and visibility have been addressed by mitigating against the noise and screening.

"I am more than happy to propose we accept it."