PLANS to convert an agricultural building near Tenbury into a wedding venue have been withdrawn.

The application to convert the building at Parsons Hall Farm in Kyre was submitted to Malvern Hills District Council in October.

Applicants Mr and Mrs Beavan said they wanted to convert an existing agricultural storage building into an events venue, with civil ceremonies and associated wedding receptions to be a component.

In a design and access statement submitted to the council, the applicants said the change of use was part of their plans for farm diversification.

The farm is currently more of a smallholding, the statement said, with just 20 acres of meadowland meaning their herd of Hereford cattle cannot rise about 45, and with rising costs, the applicants have made the decision to look at other options to support the farm.

In the statement, they said they are looking into the 'elopements' market and would be staying away from rustic weddings as the market for this is swamped.

"We would use the income to support the farm as it generates very little income at present," they said.

The statement said there would be no associated landscaping, demolition, or extensions made to the building, and that the opening hours would run from 10am to 10pm.

The only users would be the couple getting married, two witnesses, and one vicar or celebrant, the statement said.

But conservation officer Rosie Burton said that while the barn is a modern, concrete framed building which adds nothing to the setting of the historic farmhouse and barn surrounding it, the proposed design for the barn, described as "something like a small medieval chapel", would be out of keeping with the historic buildings on site.

"The design using the chapel with stone window and door surrounds will compete with the understated barn and timber-framed farmhouse," she said.

Ms Burton said the design must reflect the architectural style and materials of the surrounding buildings.

The application was withdrawn earlier this month, with the applicants confirming that they will be applying with a revised scheme having taken the advice on board.