WORCESTER'S new Mayor could be seen as compromising the city's planning committee if he remains its chairman, a fellow councillor claims.

Labour Group leader Adrian Gregson told Worcester City Council's annual meeting that he feared the planning committee could be seen as "prejudiced" by members of the public.

His comments came after Conservative councillors proposed Councillor Robert Rowden, who was also voted Mayor of Worcester during the meeting, as planning committee chairman.

Coun Gregson urged councillors not to appoint him, warning his mayoral duties could be seen as compromising the planning committee.

He stressed he had no doubt Coun Rowden was capable of holding the two posts in a separate and unbiased fashion, but claimed the move could lay the council open to criticism.

"Vital decisions must be seen by the public not to be prejudiced and to meet planning guidelines," he said.

"As part of a mayor's role, he's meant to encourage business to invest in Worcester, and that investment could be financial, or come in the form of a building being proposed.

"How would it look if the Mayor, who helped to encourage the investment, then chairs the planning committee?

"There could be a whole plethora of potential interest which may not be declared."

Coun Gregson, who proposed Coun Geoff Williams for planning committee chairman, also questioned the Mayor's ability to carry out both roles due to a busy schedule.

"The amount of time taken up by being Mayor would call into question the ability to attend planning meetings," he added.

Ex-Mayor Jo Hodges said the fact that First Citizens were given gifts by companies during official functions could be seen as prejudicial if a planning proposal was later made to the planning committee.

Coun Gary Kibblewhite called for members to defer the decision until they had had more time to consider the situation, but the proposal was rejected.

Speaking after the meeting, Coun Rowden - who represents the St Peter's ward - vowed to stand firm and continue with his two roles.

As Mayor, he said, he would be chairing full council meetings, which would consider major planning applications.

"Is Coun Gregson suggesting the Mayor should not preside over full council meetings?" he said.