PLANS to convert a bungalow into an extension of a doctor’s surgery have been rejected.

Albany House Surgey in Barbourne had wanted to expand into a neighbouring building, The Garden House.

But Worcester City Council said there is a lack of parking at the site.

“The lack of adequate parking for the proposed development combined with the loss of existing parking, means parking will inevitably be displaced onto the adjacent highway network in an area with known parking pressures,” planning officers said.

Plans submitted to the council said the proposal would “complement the continued operation of NHS services and would not involve any new built development”.

PLANS: How the converted bungalow would have been laid outPLANS: How the converted bungalow would have been laid out (Image: Daniel Jew Architect)

“Rather, it would involve making efficient use of the existing building and its sympathetic conversion works to facilitate commercial use.

“A modest increase in employment use would also arise.”

According to the plans The Garden House, in Britannia Square, was built by the former owner of Albany House and is situated within its grounds, even though the buildings are now separated by a wall.

Britannia Square Residents Association said patients who live within walking distance of the surgery may support its extension as it would provide more consulting rooms and could extend the range of services available at the surgery.

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But a number of residents complained about the current parking situation in the area.

Robin Dallaway said: “There is already an unacceptable level of intrusive traffic in this quiet conservation area.

“Whilst I would be delighted to see something positive happen with the dilapidated bungalow in question, I believe the impact of larger numbers of transient visitors and their vehicles along with the concomitant levels of congestion, danger, pollution and inconvenience would lead to a degradation of this protected environment and be highly undesirable.”

Council planning officers said the proposal would re-establish a link between the bungalow and Albany House and would have a positive impact on the heritage building.

But this was outweighed by parking concerns, with the reason for refusal being that the development would be “unacceptable on the grounds of highways safety”.