TWO new houses will be built in the grounds of an historic Worcester site once owned by the founder of Kay’s - despite concern from nearby residents.

The city council’s planning committee has agreed for two detached homes to be built in the grounds of the Grade II listed Heron Lodge, off London Road.

It was approved despite four Conservative politicians voting against it amid fears it could start a precedent for further development.

Heron Lodge itself recently secured approval to be converted into four homes, as well as listed building consent.

The latest plans were forced through on the basis council officers will now create a ‘masterplan’ for how they want the rest of the site to eventually look.

The two new properties will sit on vacant land on a redundant car parking area left over from when Heron Lodge was used as office accommodation.

During the committee debate, two residents turned up to object to the development, saying it was too close to their properties.

They said it would be out of character with the surrounding area, start a precedent for further development and result in overlooking.

Neighbour Rod Adams said: “It’s not acceptable to us and these objections are being raised by other people who live by the site too.

“I’m a civil engineer, so I know what I’m talking about, I’m not an ‘angry resident’.”

Councillor David Tibbutt said: “This site has the potential for some development, but I really do think it is very important that we have a masterplan for the whole of it.

“Maybe, in this case we should wait until that is done before we consider accepting this - I do worry that if we say yes, we may well come to rue this day.”

Planning officer Alan Coleman said the authority could draw up a blueprint - but without developers coming forward with proposals for the site, that’s “all it will be”.

Other politicians said they saw no reasons to reject it, on the basis the land in question is vacant.

Councillor Roger Berry said: “We should approve it, but ask the officers to go away and do that masterplan.”

Tory councillors Andy Roberts, Derek Prodger, David Tibbutt and Andy Roberts all voted against it, but it was carried after seven other politicians voted in favour.

Heron Lodge, constructed between 1823 and 1828, is regarded as one of the city’s historic treasures.

It was built as one of a group of villas along London Road for Rear Admiral Herbert Brace Powell, who served in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars.