CONTROVERSIAL plans to convert an empty office block into 14 one-bedroom flats has been approved, despite fears it could force a popular Worcester music venue to close.

The city council’s planning committee has backed plans for the development in Pierpoint Street, despite it being next to the Marr’s Bar.

The venue, which has been thriving for 13 years, says it already gets complaints from residents living in the flats opposite over noise.

As your Worcester News revealed on Monday, it is concerned that yet another residential complex so close to the night spot will eventually lead to pressure from new residents for it to shut.

Linda Henderson, sister of bar owner Brian Maher, attended a planning meeting at the Guildhall to say it could be “forced to close” unless the plan was rejected.

But the panel approved it on condition a new investigation is carried out into the noise and vibration levels coming from the venue.

As long as it falls below standards laid down by by the World Health Organisation, planning chiefs say Marr’s Barr does not have to fear closure if any pressure is brought to bear by residents.

Mrs Henderson said: “The Marr’s Bar was given permission 13 years ago to enhance the cultural offer of Worcester, and it has done that in bucketloads.

“We chose the area because of its commercial location, but over time the street has become more and more residential. For those living next door, it will not be possible to get a good night’s sleep. If planning is granted, it poses a great threat to the Marr’s Bar, Do you really, really want to close this venue?”

She said environmental health had been to do noise checks three times, but had not told them in advance, so inspectors had not recorded the true decibel levels when the music was at its loudest.

During the debate, councillors praised the venue and insisted they did not want to see it come under pressure.

Councillor David Wilkinson, the committee’s vice-chairman, said: “It would clearly be intolerable if we gave permission for these properties, only for people to complain about noise from a well-establised business.”

Coun Aubrey Tarbuck said: “This place is providing a wonderful service for many, many people – we can’t allow it to be put out of business.”

Under the condition, the environmental health department will arrange new visits with Marr’s Barr to check out noise and vibration levels on nights when the loudest music is on.

Subject to it being under the limit, the development was approved.