CONCERNS have been raised about a plan to build flats behind a city centre pub.

The new proposals would see 16 flats built behind The Firefly pub and various other buildings in Lowesmoor in Worcester.

The plan has been criticised for using the results of noise tests carried out in June during the Covid lockdown – when the pub would be quieter than usual – to support the scheme.

A number of objections have been put forward by Fogle Investments Limited, run by Worcestershire County Cricket club chairman Fanos Hira, criticising the noise assessment for not taking into consideration the gigs and comedy nights the pub usually hosts during the week.

“[The] noise assessment calculations have significant flaws,” the objection said. “The sample data is taken when full non-Covid operations were occurring and therefore not representative of true use of the pub, which includes ordinarily band nights and comic nights mid-week and more active and therefore louder use during a representative week.

“It is highly selective and not representative of ordinary use of the Firefly and other local bars.

“The document refers to June 11 which is during lockdown and not representative of the pub's use - this work should be re-done to include when the pub is fully operational rather than a selective approach as submitted.”

The planning application for the four-story apartment building states that noise from the pub and surrounding area could be “suitably controlled” for the people living in the flats.

The application stated: “An acoustic report has been prepared as part of the application, it demonstrates that subject to appropriate mitigation measures which are set out within the accompanying acoustic report, external noise can be suitably controlled within the habitable rooms of the dwellings and good internal conditions can be achieved."

The flats plan could be the latest addition to a long list of planned developments in Lowesmoor.

A major revamp of Lowesmoor Wharf which would include bars, restaurants and cafes, shops, hundreds of apartments, and offices to create a new bustling canalside destination was put forward last year.

Plans to convert the building left empty by the closure Poundstretcher in St Martin's Quarter into 24 flats was also revealed last year.