A LISTED office building could be turned into apartments if Worcester City Council approves the plans.

Barbourne Works, on the junction of Northwick Avenue and Sabrina Avenue, was originally a printing firm, before being occupied by a clothing manufacturer and in recent years the Reality Group, formerly Kays.

Now plans have been drawn up to convert the office complex, built in 1898, into 46 two-bedroom flats, 15 of which will be "affordable" housing units.

The proposals, by Rhys-Davies Services Ltd, are due to be considered by the city council's planning committee on Thursday.

City planners have recommended the developer, Rhys-Davies Services Ltd, is granted listed building consent for the conversion but planning permission to proceed with the work be refused.

The council's director of development services, Stuart McNidder, said he was concerned arrangements for the affordable housing units, which would be offered on a discounted lease without the involvement of a housing association, did not meet current requirements.

"The arrangements to secure the discounted prices in the long term would not be enforceable by the city council," he said.

"And it would not be possible to ensure occupation of the affordable units by persons in need of affordable housing."