FORTY five apartments could be built on a derelict bus depot near Worcester City centre.

The planning committee at Worcester City Council will discuss the plans for the site between Padmore Street and the canal in Lowesmoor on Thursday.

The site is owned by First Bus and was formerly the Underwood's depot.

There have been no major objections, although the Inland Waterways Association has raised concerns about the modern designs of the apartment plans and its impact on the canal setting.

However, the head of development services at the council has recommended that the committee agree to the plans, subject to the developers putting up more than £86,000 to improve youth and educational facilities and other amenities.

£55,000 will improve facilities at Stanley Road Primary School off Wyld's Lane, and Nunnery Wood High School in Newtown.

The remainder will be used by the city council to develop playing facilities at Tallow Hill, improve the Lansdowne Crescent allotments and improve city sports facilities.

The Underwood's depot was opened after the First World War as the established city coal firm expanded into transportation and storage.