OBJECTORS have warned that Evesham could lose some of its most important architectural character if plans to create 28 town centre homes are approved today.

Wychavon District Council's development control committee is considering an application by Crest Nicholson (South West) Ltd to convert Abbey Gate House into 13 flats with a further 15 in a new building alongside.

The application has angered residents and dismayed historians who have asked the district council to turn down the plans.

The Vale of Evesham Civic Society has described the site as one of the most important in England.

The view is backed by Dr Nigel Gilmour, an Oxford based expert in medieval architecture and landscapes.

Dr Gilmour, who visited the site two years ago, said this week that the lack of strong objections from leading bodies, including English Heritage, was a "cause for concern" and were a means of preserving their "almost non existent" budgets.

He added: "This is one of the great surviving theological sites in England. Nowhere else in Europe would they allow this to happen".

Maureen Ephgrave, of The Hop Gardens, Aldington, accompanied Dr Gilmour on his visit to the site, and in a letter to the Journal said: "I fear that even more of what is Evesham's most historic building could be lost in the proposed new building plans.

"To build a block of flats and car park on the gardens behind Abbey House would undoubtedly destroy what remains of the architectural character of the Great Court. Although this is an area that very few local people have seen, or are able to see. I just hope that further, more extensive, excavations are carried out before planning permission is finally granted."

Evesham Town Council is supporting the application and district council officers have recommended that is be approved.