A PLAN to demolish a vacant building and convert it into 36 affordable flats in Evesham town centre is to go before council planners next week.

The plan would see a group of old warehouses and commercial buildings - many of which have fallen into a state of disrepair and have been vacant for many years - in Rynal Street demolished to make way for the flats.

The C-shaped building would sit on the corner of Swan Lane, opposite Aldi, and Rynal Street and would wrap around a grade II-listed house in Rynal Street and sit opposite a row of listed homes in Rynal Street.

Council planners have recommended the plan, which includes 25 one-bed and 11 two-bed flats, is approved as long as the developer can show the flats would not be too overbearing on the homes in Rynal Street.

Of the 36 flats, 32 would be offered as affordable rent and four would be marketed a shared ownership.

The development has been classed as car-free due to the town centre location, access to public transport and access to existing car parking spaces in Evesham.

All of the existing buildings would be demolished and replaced, although the existing historical wing facing Rynal Street would be rebuilt in a similar style.

Brick and dark cladding would be used to fit in with the style of the existing building which would be demolished and the surrounding homes.

Evesham Town Council objected to the plan as it was concerned about overdevelopment in the town centre.

The council received 40 objections to the plan, largely concerned with overlooking and loss of light and privacy and the increase in traffic on narrow roads.

Wychavon District Council's planning committee meets next Thursday (May 30) to make a decision.