CONTROVERSIAL plans for a new care home could turn part of Claines into a "ghetto," say residents.

The former Harvester on Droitwich Road could be demolished and replaced with a brand new care home - but there has been a backlash from residents.

They argue that the area already has enough care homes, with one already opposite the designated site.

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Julia Kimberley, who has been a resident of the area for the past 70 years, said: "It is almost providing a ghetto for private care homes.

"There are three less than a quarter of a mile away from each other.

"The site is prime for affordable housing - there is a new school just over the road and a new Lidl next door, which is ideal for low-income families.

"Care homes are eye-wateringly expensive, and lots of people in the area cannot afford it, so they are not helping elderly housing in the area."

However, this is not the first time care home provider MACC Care has put forward a planning application for the land.

Worcester News:

Earlier last year, councillors told them to go back to the drawing board, after their design was dubbed “ugly and depressing.”

The new drawings build on their previous plans and have been updated to include a courtyard, private ‘patio-style’ gardens and balconies.

Another concern put forward by resident Malcolm Nixon was that Perdiswell House, some of which dates back to the 1840s, needs to be preserved.

And if the application goes ahead, the house will be knocked down.

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He said: "Worcester has many crown jewels in terms of buildings, and this is one of them. 

"I find the whole thing rather sad.

"I am passionate about the building."

A spokesperson for MACC Care said that the building is not listed, is not suitable for conversion and has been assessed as a non-designated heritage asset.

They added: "A new Care Home has recently opened nearby, yet there is a significant need for further care accommodation within Worcester City, which was recognised by the Council’s Planning Officers in recommending approval for the previous application.

"MACC has positively identified this site as a suitable location for care development, with the proposals fully compliant with local and national policy, which encourage development on brownfield sites within the urban area."

This article was updated on Monday, January 30 to clarify that the building is not suitable for conversion.