Mixed reaction to Worcester pub flats plan

A plan to convert an eyesore former pub into flats has received a mixed reaction from neighbours.

The proposals would see the dilapidated Crown and Anchor in Worcester’s Hylton Road revived as new flats under plans by WXSPI.

Some neighbours have spoken out against the plan saying that parking in the area is already a nightmare and adding more flats without parking spaces would make a bad situation, in one of the busiest routes in and out of the city, worse.

Others have welcomed the transformative plans for the former watering hole saying they would be happy to see the back of an eyesore that has been left empty for several years.

One objector to the plan, Gaynor Slade of Hylton Road, said it would be “naïve” to assume that no parking would not cause problems.

“The amended plans that have been submitted still do not deal with the concerns and issues that were identified in the previous planning application,” she said. “With no parking area on the site for the residents, it is naive to assume that this will not cause a serious problem for both the occupiers and the neighbours. The traffic problem in this road is quite dreadful.”

However, David Olszewai of Henwick Road, praised the plan saying the current “mess” could prove to be an “attractive addition” to Hylton Road if approved.

“People seem to complain about cars parking everywhere and delivery vans but the road is controlled by double yellow lines and frequent visits by traffic enforcement officers,” he said.

“There is a massive need in Worcester for low-cost single one-bed homes [and] this application will go a way towards that need. Many people these days do not own a car and the location is excellent for walking into town and all neighbouring facilities.”

A plan to demolish the former pub to make way for a new three-to-four-storey building with six apartments was rejected by Worcester City Council a year ago but the new plan would see the pub stay in place and converted into seven flats.

Council planners approved a plan to convert the pub as part of plans to build six new flats in 2018 but the work was never carried out.