Events and activity space at Holywell Chapel Holywell Road Malvern, Malvern Wells

The site and surroundings

The Chapel is a two-storey dwelling in a wooded rural setting within the Malvern Hills National Landscape, accessed by a private road from Holywell Road.

“The application site is located to the north-west of Malvern Wells within the designated Malvern Hills National Landscape (formerly the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). The site comprises a detached two-storey dwelling known as The Chapel, which was granted planning permission under application reference 12/01160/FUL. The Chapel forms part of the wider Hotel in the Woods complex and is situated within a predominantly rural and heavily wooded setting.”

“The western boundary of the site adjoins an established area of mature trees and woodland, which provides a significant degree of screening and contributes positively to local biodiversity and landscape quality. Running adjacent to this woodland is Public Right of Way MW-658, designated as a bridleway, which forms part of the wider recreational network within the Malvern Hills and affords users views of the surrounding countryside and woodland setting.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

The building was approved as a four-bedroom dwelling in 2012, and an earlier change-of-use application for an event and activity space was withdrawn in 2025.

“12/01160/FUL. Internal alterations to form 1 no three bedroom apartment in lieu of 2 no two bedroom apartments. Conversion of Holywell Chapel into four bedroom dwelling and construction of ancillary studio, cycle and bin storage (No net gain from consented dwellings 12/00496/FUL). Wells House Chapel, Holywell Road, Malvern. APL. Nov 7 2012”

“M/25/00985/FUL. Proposed change of use from holiday let into event and activity space.. The Studio At, Holywell Chapel, Holywell Road, Malvern, WR14 4LE. WDN. Oct 7 2025”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the proposal supported rural economic growth, caused no significant landscape or heritage harm, and had effects that could be controlled by conditions.

“The starting point is the principle of development. Whilst the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review does not contain a specific policy directly addressing the expansion of tourism and hospitality uses of this nature, the proposal is clearly supported in principle by national planning policy.”

“Bringing all considerations together, the proposal is strongly supported in principle by national policy in terms of rural economic growth and business expansion. Environmental impacts in relation to landscape, heritage, ecology, drainage and amenity are all assessed as neutral or capable of effective mitigation through condition, with no significant harm identified.”

Officer report

What consultees said

The parish council, highway authority and civic society objected mainly on traffic, parking, noise and landscape grounds, while drainage engineers raised no objection subject to a condition.

“A resident addressed the Parish Council in opposition to the planning application, raising concerns about increased traffic, the impact on neighbouring properties, environmental effects, and parking provision. It was noted that the proposed occupancy of the Chapel was for 40 guests and 8 staff and would likely lead to a corresponding increase in car usage over the current hotel and restaurant traffic.”

“The Highway Authority notes that no information has been provided regarding parking arrangements when the hotel is operating at full capacity and parking spaces are also required for event attendees. Consequently, there is concern that overspill parking could occur on Holywell Road, resulting in highway safety implications.”

Officer report

Residents’ objections

Twenty-seven objections cited intensified use, unsuitable roads, parking overspill, noise, disturbance, wildlife impacts and harm to the protected rural setting.

“Residents strongly object to the proposed change of use of Holywell Chapel from residential/holiday accommodation to an events and activity venue associated with The Cottage in the Wood Hotel. They argue that this would represent a significant intensification of use in a quiet rural area that is currently valued for its tranquillity, low activity levels, and natural beauty.”

“Noise and disturbance are also central objections. Nearby occupiers, particularly those overlooking the Chapel, say events would introduce intrusive noise from guests, music, conversations, outdoor use of the deck, vehicle movements, and late-night departures. They argue this would harm residential amenity and undermine the character of the area.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

The agent addressed the committee, an objectors’ statement was read out, and two ward members and several committee councillors spoke.

The committee vote

Councillor Gallagher proposed approval, Councillor Nielsen seconded it, and the motion passed with five votes for and four against.

“A motion to APPROVE planning permission, in line with officer recommendation, was proposed by Councillor J. Gallagher, seconded by Councillor B. Nielsen, and voted upon.”

Minutes

The decision and conditions

The committee delegated authority to grant planning permission, subject to conditions covering noise, management, lighting, biodiversity and drainage.

“To delegate authority to the Director of Planning and Infrastructure to Grant planning permission subject the planning conditions listed, allowing for any subsequent amendments to the planning conditions as required by the Director of Planning and Infrastructure.”

“At no time shall any external lighting, except low power (under 550 Lumens/5 watts and <3000 Kelvin), ‘warm’ LED lighting in directional down- lighting luminaires on motion operated and time- limited switches be installed or operated in association with the approved development and no permanently illuminated external lighting shall be operated at any time, without the written approval of this local planning authority.”

Minutes