AN application to build student accommodation on a pay and display car park in Worcester has been given the green light by city council planners.

The scheme to build a block of three and four storey accommodation with 76 self contained student flats, a laundrette, and space for 76 bikes, on the Sansome Walk car park next to Armstrong’s tailors, had been recommended to be minded to approve subject to conditions by planning officers.

And at the authority's planning committee meeting, held at the Guildhall on Thursday, (June 22) members voted to go ahead with the recommendation on the scheme, which had been submitted by Tindlesouth Ltd.

During the consultancy process concerns were raised by residents about the height of the building, the impact on privacy, the loss of a car parking area, and the overall impact on character of the area.

Historic England were among those to object to the scheme on the grounds that the overall scale was not appropriate for this site.

But other consultees including West Mercia Police, Worcestershire County Council Highways and Severn Trent Water raised no objection.

And positive comments were also submitted by residents, including that the scheme was meeting a local need, removing a vacant site, and would hide the rear elevation of the Gala Bingo.

After pre-application discussions the scheme was revised to reduce the height of the building from the original five storeys.

A section 106 agreement will restrict occupation of the flats during term time to students in full time education.

The site has been subject to a variety of applications in recent years, including the use as a public car park and as a residential development.