A CITY centre eyesore in an historical part of Worcester is to be transformed after developers got the go-ahead to build 77 new homes.

Permission for 65 apartments, including a block of nine set aside as affordable housing, on the site of the NCP car park off The Butts was granted in May last year.

But in the revised plans the layout of the inside was changed to increase the number of flats to 77, including 11 affordable housing units.

The proposals also include provision for a footpath and cycle-way from The Butts to Netherton Court, along the route of Netherton Lane.

At a meeting of Worcester City Council's planning committee last night, members welcomed the scheme.

"This site is long overdue for redevelopment," said Councillor Geoff Williams.

"We agreed some time ago that this use was suitable for the site and I am pleased that there is some affordable housing."

Coun Mike Layland supported this view.

"The land is crying out for redevelopment," he said. "I am particularly pleased to see an increase in the number of affordable units.

"The demand is there for them and I would suggest that the sooner work was started on this site the better."