A “beautiful old building” in Worcester could be knocked down to make room for a new four-bedroom house.

The owners of Rose Hill Cottage in Rose Hill, off London Road, want to demolish the existing property and replace it with a new-build.

But neighbours have objected to the plans, saying the cottage is the last remaining building associated with the original Rose Hill House, which was demolished in the 1960s to make way for terraced houses and garages.

A planning statement submitted to Worcester City Council as part of a planning application says the cottage has been there for a “considerable time” and has been modernised, extended and adapted.

“The resultant current dwelling is generally L-shaped with a rather discordant appearance,” it says.

According to the plans the house has an “improvised” internal layout, with an example being that one bedroom is accessed via the study, and has a poor energy efficiency rating.

Heritage documents submitted with the application say a coachman’s cottage, coach house and stables - which all now form part of the cottage - can be seen on a map dating to 1883-86.

A number of neighbours have submitted objections to the proposals.

Anne Aloia said: “This proposal means knocking down a beautiful old building and destroying a spectacular garden.

“I live very near the house and will be very affected by lack of light and privacy. I have lived here 50 years - firstly with my parents and then came back with my family.

“It is always a great pleasure to wake up and look at the view.”

Lynne Norledge said: “If, as a city, we preserve only the grand buildings we lose much of our history.

“Much of the built heritage successfully preserved has been the larger, more significant properties, and those associated with ordinary life have been demolished.

“Rose Hill Cottage may appear insignificant but it still represents an important part of our history.”

Sean O’Callaghan said: “The planned new build will remove the character of the pretty cottage that already exists.”

He also expressed concern about large construction vehicles blocking the narrow road.