A DISUSED industrial unit will soon be turned into a series of music rehearsal rooms and a recording studio.

Paul Mousley and his business partner Alex Daw will now be able to move forward with their plans to renovate the industrial unit situated in waterworks Road, Barbourne.

It could mean Worcester will nurture talented musicians to follow in the footsteps of the city's famous son, Sir Edward Elgar.

But the promise of launching a soloist or band to super-stardom was not enough to convince nearby residents it was a good idea.

Letters of objection and a petition from concerned residents were given to Worcester City Council planning committee, but they cut no ice.

After a 10-minute debate, the application was passed with unanimous approval.

Residents feared it would be noisy and more traffic would clog up the narrow roads. But on Thursday, conditions to soundproof the building were enough to sway all councillors to lend their support.

"The music business is part of the national economy and I think as a city I think we ought to encourage this sort development in suitable sites elsewhere as well," said Councillor Francis Lankester.

Mr Mousley hopes The Session will up and running by autumn.