A WORCESTER parish council member has resigned in protest over what he claims is the city council's "railroading" of plans for a new church, despite objections from people living in St Peter's.

Christopher Catchpole says he has been "appalled" by the behaviour of Worcester City Council, which he claims is determined to develop the Red Hill Baptist church on land behind Tesco in St Peter's.

The parish council has vigorously opposed the proposal, saying the land should to be used for facilities for youngsters and affordable housing.

Last night, the city council's executive board agreed to conduct a feasibility study into the church, a community centre, and affordable housing on the land.

Officers at the planning department had agreed, after pressure from the parish council, plans to enlarge the community centre, upgrade the play area and build a skateboarding area.

But Mr Catchpole insisted the church was being pushed forward despite objections from those living in the parish.

"Someone has a great desire to have this church built when probably 99 per cent of the residents don't," he said.

"My feelings wouldn't be as strong if it was the St Peter's Baptists who wanted a place in St Peter's. We already have a tremendous traffic problem due to the presence of Tesco without a further influx of outsiders."

But Mark Middleton, head of planning and economic development at the city council, said the views of the parish council and those living close to the proposed site had been taken into consideration.

"This is the last remaining site in the middle of St Peter's," he said.

"Therefore it's very important to use the land correctly and people's views will be taken into account.

"But it's to serve the St Peter's ward and not just the parish, so we're consulting people in a larger area than the council represents.

"The guidance we're suggesting for the development would enable a community centre, church and affordable housing to be built, which would make the best use of the land."