AN application for new flats at a listed building in Worcester City Centre could get the go-ahead after planners were advised to back it.

The plan to turn no 42 Foregate Street into 13 studio flats, while also retaining commercial use on the ground floor is to be discussed at the next meeting of Worcester City Council's planning committee, with officers advising it is given the green light.

The building has been left vacant after Thursfields Solicitors left and relocated to The Tything.

The converted building would retain a commercial unit on the Foregate Street frontage with the flats. The rear of the building would be a shared amenity space, a refuse storage area and a row 13 cycle parking spaces, with seven car parking spaces, under the plan which has been put forward by applicant Foregate Regeneration Ltd.

The planners write: "The proposed development would bring the listed building into use, it having been vacant for two years.

"Through the proposed development works, the development would remove non-original fabric from the building and would better reveal the historic nature, character and significance of the building.

"This would be in accordance with the relevant local and national planning policies and would provide a number of residential units in this sustainable city centre location without harm to neighbour amenity or highway safety. I am of the opinion that the proposals constitute an acceptable and sustainable form of development when assessed against the policy framework both nationally and locally.

"The site has the capacity to accommodate the development in an acceptable manner. As such, it is recommended that planning permission is granted."

One objection has been received on the application from residents of the following property which say the height of the new build development at the rear of the site would block sunlight to the rear garden of 40-41 Foregate Street, and the opportunity should be taken in the development to re-model the rainwater discharge that runs through the roof of 41 and has caused flooding.

The application is to go before planners at the meeting, which is being held from 1.30pm at The Guildhall this Thursday, November 25.