A NURSING home in Worcester has secured permission for a controversial expansion after fighting off a furious campaign from residents.

The Shrubbery, in Barbourne, is going to get a big extension so it can go from a 27-bed private care home to 43.

Worcester City Council's planning committee gave the project the green light despite 18 objections from residents, politicians and a heritage watchdog around parking, delivery noise and the loss of green land.

The home is in Shrubbery Avenue, a Conservation Area characterised by historic Victorian villas.

Owners Minster Care Group secured permission to build a two-storey extension behind the existing home, despite the opposition.

Neighbour Joan Stephens, 80, said: "Minster Care Group is making a cynical business venture - I would suggest the welfare of the residents is the last thing on their minds.

"They want to rip up these gardens and create a 'Cell Block H' building."

Green Councillor Matthew Jenkins also objected, saying: "This is a residential Conservation Area - such a large development would not be in keeping with its surroundings.

"There are already issues with parking and delivery lorries around The Shrubbery, this will only make it worse."

He was backed by Councillor Joy Squires, who represents the area on the city council and said it was "regrettable" Victorian villas became a care home in the first place.

But Ruth Field, from Minster Care Group, said: "We want to be a good neighbour, we want to invest in the area and create jobs.

"The home has been a care home for 20 years and the street is mixed-use - the design will improve access for residents and will help congestion with an in-out system."

She added: "We are part of the community and want to give the community the help it needs."

She also said 18 new parking spaces would be created on-site, and because visiting times are not set, congestion would not be an issue.

The committee agreed to back it unanimously, despite councillors saying they had sympathy with nearby residents.

Councillor Roger Berry said: "There are serious problems in Shrubbery Avenue, but all we've got to consider is does this exacerbate that - on evidence it appears not.

"We are talking about people in need of a home, they've got a right to decent accommodation.

"I am mindful of the loss of green space, but mindful of care home residents too."