THE Gordon Russell buildings in Broadway look set to be converted into homes, a tourist information centre and a heritage museum.

The proposals, from Chase Homes, have been recommended for approval by planning offices.

It changes the former offices in High Street, splitting them into three retail outlets.

The curved store between High Street and Back Lane will become a new tourist information centre and Gordon Russell heritage museum with seminar and study areas above.

The developers have submitted an application to Wychavon District Council for permission to make alterations to the buildings, as well as the planned repairs to make them suitable for these uses.

The development control and licensing committee granted planning permission for the project last December, subject to a few outstanding details being resolved.

The committee has now been recommended to grant planning permission, listed building consent and conservation area consent for the proposal at a meeting today.

The plans include replacing the Welsh slates on the roof with stone tiles, alterations to windows and doors and the Gordon Russell slate plaque will be moved to the curved building.

Improvements will also be made to the listed thatched buildings, Russell Cottages.

Broadway Parish Council said it was pleased the plans were finally starting to proceed after years of debate over the future of the site.

Chase Homes had originally planned to build 80 houses but withdrew the plans after strong opposition from residents. No detailed plans for housing have been released.