CONTROVERSIAL proposals to transform an historic site in Evesham into a new development of houses and office suites were due to be reconsidered for approval today.

Members of Wychavon District Council's development control committee will consider a revised application by Crest Nicholson (South West) Ltd to convert grade one listed Abbey Gate House in the town into 10 apartments, two two-bedroom houses and 1,762 square feet of office space on the ground and first floor.

The site, which is a scheduled ancient monument next to the Almonry Museum and Heritage Centre, is in the Evesham conservation area and members originally refused permission last September when Crest Nicholson submitted plans to convert the site into one commercial unit and 13 apartments.

The plans also included a new apartment building at the back to provide a further 15 homes.

They were refused because members considered the new apartment building to be plain and uninteresting, and detracting from the setting of the grade one listed building.

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

The Vale of Evesham Civic Society described the site as one of the most important in England and that view was backed by Dr Nigel Gilmour, an Oxford-based expert in medieval architecture and landscapes.

Under the revised plans, the new building will be two four-bedroom detached houses behind the gate house on the site of an existing timber-boarded outbuilding.

An historical analysis of the site has shown that Abbey Gate has grown organically from the Abbey gatehouse in the early 14th century to a collection of undistinguished extensions, alterations and sheds around the original buildings.

The building itself is part of the medieval abbey complex although it has been altered and added to throughout its history.

The developer intends to open up, expose, restore, revitalise and enhance those historic parts of the fabric that still exist.

Crest Nicholson has also confirmed its willingness to enter a legal agreement to provide contributions towards enhancement and provision of public open space, education facilities and cycling facilities.

Advice from the policy team as well as the county council suggest that the following contributions are required; an education contribution of £27,050, contributions of £46,567 towards public open space and £5,100 towards cycling.