A RADICALLY-revised scheme to modernise a room in one of Worcester’s most important buildings has been given the green light by city councillors.

Controversial plans to improve the kitchen in the Grade I-listed Old Palace in Deansway were rejected by Worcester City Council’s planning committee in January, after being fiercely criticised by a number of heritage groups.

The mediaeval room, which has only been used as a kitchen in recent times, contains ancient wooden panelling which would have been covered up under the plans.

But the diocese has since gone back to the drawing board and come up with a new set of proposals, in conjunction with English Heritage and city planners.

“Extensive discussions have taken place to address members’ concerns,” senior planning officer Alan Coleman told the committee. In coming up with these proposals we want to make sure these rather fine panels are protected.”

Mr Coleman said in the revised plans, the panels would be restored “as far as possible” to their former glory, and all kitchen units would be free-standing away from the ancient walls.

Committee members were unanimous in their praise for the new plans, and visibly pleased they had decided to over-rule their officers’ advice and reject the diocese’s first application in January.

“I’m very pleased we rejected the original application, because this is so much better,” said Labour councillor Paul Denham.

“They’ve come up with a way to protect the room, which is what we were all looking for.”

Conservative Barry Mackenzie-Williams agreed, but suggested the best long-term solution would still be to site the kitchen in a less historically important room.

“I also feel we were justified in rejecting the previous recommendations,” he said.

“I support Coun Denham’s comments, but perhaps it would be useful to let the church authorities know in 20-25 years’ time – when they come to renew this kitchen again – that they should be looking at somewhere more appropriate for their kitchen. It’s clear this is a sort of compromise solution.”

The Old Palace has been a place of ministry, administration and hospitality since the 11th century.