Plans to turn a row of garages in Great Malvern into a holiday let have been refused by the district council.

Applicant Paul Brooks wanted to convert a terrace of three garages at Hillbrook House in Albert Road North.

But district planners said a lack of natural light would contribute to a “poor living environment for any occupants” and that replacing three sets of garage doors with large glazed windows would not fit in with surrounding buildings.

Neighbours also objected to the plan for the building, which has already been the subject of several proposals to turn it into a residential property.

Plans to turn the first floor of the building into first an apartment and then a holiday let, have both been rejected by Malvern Hills District Council and then dismissed at appeal.

Bob Tilley said: “This property is located in a conservation area and this clearly ensures important constraints.

“The low ceiling height on the first floor will restrict the quality and livability of the first floor space.

“Most importantly, the conversion of the front garage entrances into windows makes for an unattractive presentation onto the street scene.”

Adam Wilson said: “The main issue with this proposal is the triple garage doors at the front that frankly would not look correct as windows.

“The original plan was for a garage and the openings are in keeping with that - they are not in keeping with a residence.”

Malvern Civic Society said: “The development would result in an outbuilding which would fail to reflect the character of the main building, Hillbrook House, which is considered to be a non-designated heritage asset.”

According to a planning statement submitted alongside the latest application, the applicant made efforts to address the issues raised over previous proposals.

It said successful holiday lets are already operated from Hillbrook House and this would be an expansion of the business that would bring more tourists to Malvern.