PLANS to build 16 flats on land near to Ribble Close in the Newtown area of Worcester could be given the go-ahead, despite objections from residents.

An under-used car park will also receive a facelift as part of the development.

This is the second time the plans have come before members of the city council's planning committee.

In May, they voted to defer the application because of concerns about the size of the development.

And despite a reduction in the height of the building, residents still believe the one and two-bedroomed flats will be an over-development of the area.

There were also concerns about the increase in traffic that the flats would generate in the area, and in particular, on Medway Road.

This is supported by the council's transportation partnership manager, who states in the report that no further development should be carried out which requires access off Medway Road.

But city planners believe the benefits, including the improvements to the car park, outweigh the traffic concerns.

They have recommended that councillors approve the application.