A BLOCK of ‘hideous’ 1950s flats is finally set to be demolished.

The three blocks of three-storey flats in De Wyche Road, Wychbold, will be replaced with new homes.

Granting Spa Housing Association planning permission, councillors described the new buildings as “refreshing” in their design.

Seventeen of the 30 two-bedroom flats are currently occupied, four of which are privately owned, and if they refuse to move out the plans could be scuppered.

The remainder of the flats are unoccupied and in a state of dereliction.

But one family have revealed that they will be sad to see the controversial flats demolished. Richard Mann, aged 28, who suffers from a condition known as bamboo spine arthritis and is one of Spa’s tennants, said: “When we first came to look at the flat we thought ‘oh God, what have we done?’ but when you get inside it’s totally different.

“I can understand people saying the place is ugly because it does look it but it’d be cheaper to refurbish them than to tear everything down.”

Mr Mann, who lives with his wife Jane, aged 20, and their son Brandon, aged two, said within six months of moving into the flat in February 2007 after a brief spell of being homeless they were told about Festival’s plan.

As a result, the couple said they have not installed carpets and flooring in their rooms because they do not want to spend money on items if the flats are going to be demolished.

“We just haven’t been able to settle,” said Mrs Mann.

“Even though we haven’t been able to do anything with the flat it has become our home and we don’t want to move.”

At a recent development control committee meeting, Wychavon’s district councillors approved plans to replace the current structures with 17 two-bedroom houses and 12 two-bedroom flats. Councillor Judy Pearce said: “I think it’s exciting to have this in Wychbold. I think it will make a statement.”

A spokesman for Spa, which is part of Festival Housing Group, said: “Spa Housing is building a fantastic new development of homes in De Wyche Road.

“Longer term residents were not only fully involved in an extensive consultation but will also receive compensation for disruption during the building period.

“Residents who have moved to the existing flats in the last two years were given assured shorthold tenancies to reflect the temporary nature of this accommodation.”