A DECISION on a controversial plan to demolish a number of empty homes and build more than 50 retirement flats in Pershore will be made by councillors next week.

Social housing provider Rooftop Housing wants to demolish social housing in Almonry Close in Pershore and build 54 new one-and-two-bedroom flats for the over 55s.

Planning officers at Wychavon District Council have recommended the plan is approved when its planning committee meets next Thursday (September 16) despite some concerns about the height of the proposed three-storey building.

A total of 76 objections were made against the plan during public consultation with Pershore Civic Society and Pershore Town Council criticising the “out of character” design and lack of parking.

As many as 34 homes in the existing Almonry Close complex would be demolished to make way for the new housing and number of communal spaces would also be built as well as a ‘village hall’ type building.

The complex – which has no lifts, narrow corridors and very little communal space – was deemed unfit for purpose in 2018 and has remained empty since.

The plans for the land near to Pershore Abbey would include a mix of rent and shared ownership flats but just 18 car parking spaces.

A report by planning officers, which will be discussed by councillors, said the three-storey building was close to being too big for the area but was acceptable.

"The site is located close to a number of heritage assets including a number of listed buildings and the conservation area and at three stories in height it is considered to be on the upper limit of acceptable building heights for the location.

"However, it is considered on balance that the proposal will not harm these heritage assets and could successfully integrate into the site and its surroundings."

Rooftop said it had appointed a new team to take a “fresh look” at the plans after its original 63 apartment scheme was withdrawn in 2019.

The social housing provider said it has been working with Wychavon District Council and Historic England on its proposals.

“The new approach to the site was welcomed and the prospect of an alternative approach, quite radically different to the previous application, received positively,” said Rooftop in its planning application. “This provided Rooftop Housing with the comfort needed to commit to the redevelopment of the site with this fresh approach.”