"The River Severn is the reason for Worcester’s existence".

That’s the opening of the appraisal of the riverside landscape of the Severn as it runs through the city made by Worcester City Council.

The assessment will be discussed by the council’s planning committee tomorrow before the public are consulted about it as a basis for a conservation policy.

It divides the length of the riverside into eight areas, form Northwick south to Teme Meadow and Powick Mills.

It describes the high and low points of each area.

Northwick is described as largely agricultural and equestrian use with a “strong rural feel” but “the presence of electricity lines and pylons has a negative impact”.

Pitchcroft is “inherently associated with horse-racing” and is “distinctly recreational.” Across the river, Hylton Road is described as “a relatively confused image of large 20th century light industrial units set in large urban blocks, many with limited aesthetic value.”

The historic heart of Worcester at Quayside is assessed in some details, with mention of Hylton Road Power Station, which used to dominate the view - its only surviving feature is the screen house for cooling water intake.

The railway viaduct is locally listed, and redevelopment and conversion of warehouses in South Quay, including fountains “have created a sense of significant space as well as a destination and viewpoint.”

Flooding is mentioned, of course, and the swan sanctuary makes “a significant contribution to the area and an attraction to passers-by" while the view of the Cathedral "dominates"

The modern replacement of the original pavilion at Worcestershire CCC’s cricket ground is criticised for “presenting a featureless rear face to New Road”.

Flood meadows south of the city centre are described as “highly significant” in such an urban setting: “It is the openness of the area intersperse with field boundaries and tree-line riverbanks” which provide and “ecological haven and form a wildlife corridor that runs through the heart of Worcester.”

The industrial character of Diglis, with its canal locks, workshops and cranes is said to be integral, but unfortunately the sewage sludge beds of Severn Trent's works occasionally cause “an unpleasant smell in the vicinity."