‘MUCH-NEEDED’ houses could be on the way to the former Malvern Hills District Council offices after councillors approved the sale of the building.
Members of the executive committee gave the green light to sell Portland House on Church Street to a developer to be converted into new accommodation.
The building was previously used to house the authority’s finance department but it has been empty since 2009 after previous attempts to sell it fell through.
There have also been increasing concerns over the deterioration of the building and that it might become a target for vandalism.
Planning permission was granted in principle in September last year to convert the building into eight apartments.
However, the new buyer has sought advice from the council on a more modest scheme and will submit a new planning application at a future date.
The price and name of the buyer have not been revealed at this stage but the sale of the building is an important part of the council’s business plan.
Coun James O’Donnell, portfolio holder for finance on Malvern Hills District Council, said: “This deal will not only bring a prominent building in the conservation area back into use but provide much-needed housing and support our finances.
“Overall it represents a very good deal for the taxpayer.”
