YOUNG people trying to get a foot on the first rung of the housing ladder in Worcester could benefit if a new discount housing scheme goes ahead.

But developer Chris Hemming will need the city council's backing first.

Mr Hemming, managing director of Pershore-based firm Rhys-Davies Services Ltd, has applied for permission to convert the former Reality Group offices, on the junction of Northwich Avenue and Sabrina Avenue, into 46 apartments.

He plans to sell 15 of the flats at a 45 per cent discount, which means they will cost around £57,000, to meet the Government's demands to provide "affordable" housing in new developments.

City planners accept the £4m conversion in principle but don't believe the affordable housing scheme meets current requirements.

However, Mr Hemming believes the cheap flats would cater for a section of society struggling to get a foot on the property ladder.

He said that legal guidelines had been drawn up to ensure that the 15 flats would continue to be sold at a 45 per cent market price discount every time they were sold on.

Each time the flats change hands the council has a guaranteed right to nominate a buyer.

"Government guidance is very clear in that local authorities should provide a mix of affordable residential units," Mr Hemming said.

"The council's argument seems to be that we couldn't ensure that these were low cost in perpetuity, but this is not the case.

"I accept that the scheme is innovative - it has not been done in Worcester before, but this doesn't mean it can't be done."

The planning committee will discuss the proposals for the Grade II listed office block later today.

Mr Hemming said if members refused to grant planning permission he would consider an appeal.