A Worcester charity has been given permission to demolish its headquarters in Barbourne and replace it with a new building.

But the Myriad Centre will need to fund a residents' parking scheme for neighbours of the centre.

The charity had applied to replace its current building, which it says is not fit for purpose, with a new purpose-built facility.

Worcester News: The charity's current buildingThe charity's current building (Image: Associated Architects)

The proposal came up before the city council’s planning committee on Thursday, February 22 but a question about cycle parking was raised that could not be resolved on the day.

Councillors eventually decided to back the proposal when it came back on Thursday (March 21), subject to the charity signing a section 106 agreement - a document used to get developers to finance public works as part of being given planning permission.

If it doesn't agree to the condition, planning permission will not be granted.

Councillors had a lengthy debate about the merits of the scheme weighed up against known traffic issues in the area.

Cllr Marjorie Bisset, who represents the St Stephen’s ward, told members of the committee: “The Myriad Centre plays an important role in providing respite day care in the community, that is beyond dispute.

“But many residents are firmly opposed to this development.”

Cllr Bisset said St George’s Walk and Henry Street have had parking and highways issues for years, with drivers using it as a cut-through to avoid Barbourne Road.

“It’s also overdevelopment - the new building will take up every inch of the site with no room for greenery,” she said.

Members were told the charity has agreed to implement a “traffic management scheme” to minimise the impact on parking in the area.

Cllr Alan Amos said: “Traffic management schemes never work.”

Cllr James Stanley said: “I understand the traffic and parking concerns, but we are in danger of throwing out the very good in pursuit of the excellent.”

Cllr Richard Udall said he has concerns over the design of the building, saying it “resembles an industrial greenhouse”.

He also said: “If this planning application was for a gym, we would refuse it.”

Cllr Elena Round said she is worried about the lack of outside space at the centre. 

Paul Round, the council’s service manager for development management, said the current building does not serve the charity’s purpose very well and the proposal is “an opportunity for an upgrade”.