PLANS to knock down a house in Newtown Road and replace it with a block of flats have been turned down by the council.

Najabat Ali had wanted to demolish 18 Newtown Road and build a block of six one-bedroom flats.

But Worcester City Council said the proposed building would be “over dominant” because of its “siting, poor design, scale and the lack of opportunity for any meaningful landscaping”.

Refusing planning approval, planning officers also said the flats would have been an “incongruous, harmful and visually intrusive addition to the street”.

In setting out their reasons for refusal, officers said the development would have stopped sunlight getting to neighbouring properties and would have provided “a sub-standard form of accommodation for prospective occupants” because of the lack of garden space.

Highways officers had raised concerns that vehicles entering and leaving the site would impact traffic on the busy Newtown Road.

Plans for the flats stated that each apartment would have had its own parking space, with new access created from Newtown Road.

Two electric vehicle charging points and six secure bicycle storage areas were also included in the proposals.

The open-plan flats would have each been one-bedroom, with an en suite bathroom.

Neighbours had objected to the proposals.

Robert Fletcher said: “The current dwelling, although in need of some restoration, is within keeping for the area.

“However, the proposed new development is significantly different and increases density significantly with potential knock-on impacts to available parking in the area as the parking seems to be inadequate.

“I am also concerned that following a pandemic no consideration is being given to outside leisure space for the proposed flats, with a potential for at least 12 adults living in a confined area.”

Residents also raised concerns about the impact the proposed flats could have on existing parking issues.

“The flats are likely to accommodate more than single occupancy, the demand for parking spaces could exceed availability, leading to congestion and noise pollution as people search for parking, or resort to alternative options,” said Emma Phillips.