A COUNCIL plans to repair its debating chamber after it failed in attempts to demolish the site.

Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC) has applied for permission to refurbish the Grade II listed Priory Lodge, in Avenue Road, Malvern.

Councillors previously tried to destroy the property and replace it with a £950,000 'community centre', however this plan was scuppered when Historic England listed Priory Lodge.

MHDC challenged the listing but former heritage minister, John Glen, rejected the appeal in November.

Cllr David Chambers, leader of the council, said: “We hope to undertake repairs to the outside of Priory Lodge over the coming years, these works would take place over a phased period to ensure minimal disruption to council meetings.

"Works proposed include timber frame and render repairs to all elevations, joinery repairs, and underpinning."

The leader previously said the building was nearing the end of its life and no longer fit for purpose.

Clive Hooper, chair of Malvern Civic Society, added: "I do feel we must congratulate MHDC in setting a good example to property owners to keep their buildings in good order.

"All the work planned is intended to make the property fully structurally sound and to replace or repair to a proper standard decayed or damaged timberwork, windows and the attendant landscaping work."

He added that the plans are part of the proposed extension of the adjacent Council House building.

Work due to take place at Priory Lodge includes repairing the timber boarding and frame, render panels, masonry, fascias, soffits and replacing casement windows, doors and gutters.

Historic England listed the building in January last year as it is a good example of an early 20th century school gym.

The property was built in 1919 as a gymnasium for the old school in Council House and became a council chamber in 1974.