PLANS to build nine homes next to a school sports hall have been revealed.

Malvern St James School wants to build housing on an unused area of its sports hall and playing fields off Madresfield Road.

The school says it can’t use the land to house sports facilities because of its position and topography.

Malvern Gazette: The school wants to build housing in the land marked in red The school wants to build housing in the land marked in red (Image: Greenaway Planning)

“Although allocated as part of the wider playing fields and sports pitches as green space, it is distinct and separate from the other land forming this designation as it serves no useful purpose for sport and recreation,” it said in an application for permission in principle submitted to Malvern Hills District Council.

“The development proposed would not compromise the ongoing use of the remainder of the site that is used for sport and recreation purposes.

“The land is presently owned by Malvern St James School, who own and operate the sports pitches and sports centre.

“The revenue generated from this development would support the school and further ensure the ongoing maintenance of the existing sports hall, playing fields and sports pitches.”

It says that while the land is currently designated as green space, it also qualifies as ‘undeveloped land’ and permission could be granted to build up to nine homes.

In submitted planning documents, the application is likened to a proposal for 21 homes on land west of Pickersleigh Grove that was refused by MHDC but approved on appeal by the planning inspector.

The school also argues that the development would help address the shortfall in housing supply across the district.

MHDC’s tree and landscape officer has objected to the proposal, saying there are a number of mature trees on the site.

“Development of housing on the land would be to the detriment of the open and green character of Madresfield Road,” said Christopher Lewis-Farley in his response.

“The southern side of the Madresfield Road is undeveloped from the railway line in the west, to the end of the cemetery some 400 metres later.

“Development of the site, as proposed, would mean the loss of approximately one quarter of this.”