HOPES of a church being built at St Peter's, Worcester, have moved closer - despite fears about its design.

Officials from the city council have recommended that the bid for a Baptist church, on overgrown land off St Peter's Drive, is approved by councillors.

But planners are not pleased with the appearance of the building, even after they negotiated changes with the applicants.

"The proposal does not reach the standard of a landmark building and there is no vertical feature to identify its special function and focus in the community," a council report said.

"Nevertheless, it is not so poor as to warrant refusal."

Parishioners have been forced to use various buildings around the city for worship because the current base, Red Hill Baptist Church, is too small.

The council's planning committee will give its verdict on the proposal when it meets on Thursday.