Anger over plans to demolish St Clement's Church Hall to build student flats

Plans were unveiled last month to demolish St Clement’s Church Hall in Henwick Road and replace it with a block of 54 student flats.

But residents have raised concerns about the location, which neighbours a sheltered housing scheme, and are worried an influx of students could lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour.

READ MORE: St Clement’s Church hall could be demolished to make way for block of student flats

They are also upset at the potential demolition of the church hall, which was built in 1909 but has been empty in recent years.

City councillor Robyn Norfolk, in her response to the planning application, said the hall was used as a community space until recently.

St Clement's Church Hall, which could be demolished to make way for student flats

“Instead of destroying this building it should be renovated and renewed and introduced back into St John’s as a community space run for and by residents in St John’s,” she said, adding that building work would place an “unbearable strain” on sheltered housing residents.

Councillor Richard Udall attended a public meeting at Dancox House, which backs onto the site, on Tuesday July, 12. He said nearly 100 residents attended and voted to oppose the application.

St John's residents react to student housing plans

St John’s residents also submitted comments to Worcester City Council as part of a consultation that ended yesterday (Wednesday, July 13).

Objecting to the plans, Jeanette Brown said: “This is not wanted or needed. This development will only cause additional pressure, noise, traffic, litter and other problems if it goes ahead.”

An artist's impression of the proposed accommodation block

Another resident, Hannah Al-Khaldi, said: “St John’s does not need any more student accommodation. The area has seen its character eroded by the number of students here.”

Joshua Wilkinson wrote in support of the application, saying he believes the arrival of more students in the area will boost the economy.

READ MORE: Latest pictures show start of construction at former popular club site

“I welcome this development to our area and hope that it will improve St John’s for the better,” he said.

Work started last year to convert the former YMCA building in Henwick Road into 163 student apartments.

And New Venture Housing, which is responsible for the St Clement’s Church plans, is building student flats on the site of the old Images nightclub in The Butts.