PLANS for an independent brewery in West Malvern Road to open a taproom got the green light from Malvern Hills councillors this week.

Members of the southern area planning committee voted 12 to one in favour of the application by Malvern Hills Brewery, despite opposition from nearby residents.

The objections to the plan included noise from the customers, parking and traffic problems in the narrow road, said Mark Frost, speaking for residents at the meeting on Wednesday evening.

Objectors also said said that a property in the centre of Great Malvern would be far more suitable for such a business.

However, other local residents spoke out in favour of it, saying it would be a valuable community facility.

Speaking after the meeting, Frances Casey of the brewery said: “We are obviously delighted with this outcome. It was good to see that the members of the planning committee understood that what we are proposing is not a conventional pub.

“The taproom will be a small niche operation that will operate limited days and hours and will only sell our award-winning ales, local artisan cider, some wine and soft drinks. It is not intended to appeal to the majority of those people who frequent the mainstream pubs in the town.

“West Malvern Road has a legacy of having many shops, pubs and other businesses along its length. Sadly, many of those amenities have closed over the years, much to the detriment of local residents.

“The taproom represents a great opportunity to redress some of that loss, therefore, we hope it will play a positive and beneficial role in the community in the future.”

The proposed opening times for the tap room are 6pm to 10pm on Thursdays and Fridays and noon to 10pm on Saturdays and Sundays.