PLANS to extend Worcester's Cripplegate Park will go ahead as long as buildings in Hylton Road are demolished.

Earlier this year, the Worcester City Council planning committee voted in favour of knocking down 1 and 3 Hylton Road despite opposition from some councillors.

The site is in the riverside conservation area, so the plans have been sent to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, who will decide whether or not to call them in.

At the last meeting of the planning committee members were asked to consider proposals to use the site to extend Cripplegate Park.

Former mayor, Councillor Derek Prodger, led a campaign to try and save 1 Hylton Road, which dates back to 1863.

He wanted to see the former planning department offices put to a different use and claimed the council would be destroying part of the city's historic character.

This was supported by the council's principal conservation officer, Will Scott, who said the building, which was originally the sawmill office, had historical and architectural significance.

But others argued that the dilapidated building would cost an estimated £150,000 to repair.

It also stands in the red zone of the flood plain and is therefore vulnerable to flooding during the winter months.