CONTROVERSIAL plans to knock down a church hall and replace it with student housing have finally reached the end of the planning process.

But concerns remain that the area will be a “nightmare” while demolition and construction takes place.

New Venture Housing’s plan to demolish St Clement’s Church Hall in St John’s and build 54 student flats was approved by Worcester City Council’s planning committee in April last year.

That was despite objections from residents, who felt the location next to a sheltered housing scheme was inappropriate.

NARROW: The building is accessed by a footpath running from Henwick Road to St Clement's GardensNARROW: The building is accessed by a footpath running from Henwick Road to St Clement's Gardens (Image: Phil Wilkinson-Jones/LDRS)

Final sign-off has now been given by planning officers after the developer agreed to a number of conditions attached to the planning approval.

County and city councillor Richard Udall said: “This is very sad for the area, it’s a substantial overdevelopment and will have a significant impact upon existing residents and neighbours.

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“Some of the conditions are pointless and are unenforceable.

“I believe the planning committee made a serious mistake when they approved this scheme.

EMPTY: The church hall hasn't been used in yearsEMPTY: The church hall hasn't been used in years (Image: Phil Wilkinson-Jones/LDRS)

“However, we did convince them that the complex must have 24 hour security staff, so hopefully that will help.

“I’m worried the development will be a nightmare during demolition and construction, it’s all squashed into a small space with very narrow access.

“It’s going to dominate the area and overshadow other housing schemes, and frankly I don't think it’s a good mix to place student flats in the middle of the largest sheltered housing complex in the city.

“The risk of significant generational conflict and differing expectations of lifestyle, causes serious concern.

“I urge any resident concerned about the development to contact me, if problems occur before, during or after construction, I will want to know about it, we can help and we will intervene to try and resolve any issues.”

Before the plans were approved, residents had also said they were upset at the loss of the church hall itself, which was built in 1909 but has been empty in recent years.

Cllr Robyn Norfolk had suggested renovating the run-down building into a community space.