Vigil on Tuesday will protest against controversial woodland holiday lodge plan

The Three Counties Agricultural Society wants to build the lodges in Langdale Wood, off Blackmore Park Road.

But its planning application has drawn strong opposition from ramblers, nature lovers and other who say the proposal will spoil the much-loved woodland, which is owned by the society. A petition against the proposal has now attracted 1,600 signatures.

The society says that the lodges are needed to counter a shortage of accommodation in the Malvern area.

The Save Langdale Woods group held a public meeting at Hanley Swan Village Hall which attracted about 70 supporters, and was also attended by Ken Nottage, chief executive of the society.

Sharon Taylor of the group said: "It was a good meeting, and everyone made their points in very well-reasoned ways. I think Mr Nottage and his colleagues appreciated that.

"We're not against the Three Counties Agricultural Society, and we recognise that they need to survive. It's just incongruous that they want to go ahead with the plan given their concern about the countryside."

The vigil will be held on Tuesday from 6pm to 7pm and mince pies and mulled wine will be served. Ms Taylor said that all are welcome to meet at the entrance to the wood opposite the Three Counties showground.

She said: "We were hoping that the application would come up at the Malvern Hills District Council planning meeting on Wednesday, but it hasn't. I don't know when it will be decided."

The Three Counties Agricultural Society issued a statement saying: "Three Counties values its good relations with its neighbours and Ken listened to the concerns of the audience, which primarily related to the impact on wildlife, the trees and dog walking.

"Ken agreed with the concerns and stated Three Counties would not pursue a project that would damage these.

"He added it is essential that the ecology of Langdale Wood is enhanced if planning is to be granted by Malvern Hills District Council."