CONCERNS have been raised over why a building located at a key spot as drivers enter the city has been left to fall into disrepair.

The building once known as The Carpet Factory, in London Road, has now been out of use for three and a half years.

Developer Peter Styles was given planning permission three years ago to turn the building into flats.

The building, on the corner of London Road and Fort Royal Hill, was once the home of pub The Little Sauce Factory and later became Pete's Restaurant.

Cllr Jabba Riaz, who represents Cathedral ward where the building is located, said: "I'm unhappy with the unkempt state of the building, especially as it has reached the extent of trees growing out of the side of the building.

"I accept the reality of pubs closing down but would much rather the building be transformed into a pub or restaurant.

"However, transforming the Carpet Factory into flats would be a far more desirable option than for it to remain empty as it has been since 2016."

Worcester City Council said it was unaware of the developer's plans for the site.

A spokesman said planning permission for the flats given in 2016 was an amendment to an earlier application given permission in 2008.

The spokesman said as a two storey detached block had been built on the site, the plans have been "legally commenced."

He added: "There is no legal requirement for the planning permission, once it is commenced, to be completed within any set period of time."

Mr Styles had previously outlined similar plans for the demolition of the derelict Zig Zag nightclub in St. John’s in order to build flats but the former nightclub building was later sold on to a third party.