PLANS have been submitted for the next stage of a £12 million regeneration of a city estate. Worcester Community Housing is seeking permission from Worcester City Council to overhaul part of Gresham Road in Dines Green.

It plans to knock down some of the existing commercial units, the former Mayflower pub, derelict youth centre, St Michael’s Church and 14 homes, replacing them with new affordable housing in the form of 24 houses and three bungalows, a new youth centre, a new church with two flats above, six commercial units with 22 flats above and dedicated parking.

Also included within the plans is the renovation of the exisiting Co-operative supermarket, a pedestrian friendly road in front of the Green Centre, off street parking for 49-55 Grenville Road and a revamp of the existing parking for Gresham Road.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said she supported the plans. She said: “ I think it’s good. It’ll make Gresham Road look better. It needs more colour. “It’s good they’re getting rid of the derelict buildings and they’re putting flats above the new church.”

Jeremy Richardson, who has run Dines Green Post Office and Shop for 40 years, said: “If they do it correctly, it’ll be nice. It’s just a pity they can’t include a pub. It’s a community centre. “I don’t think Gresham Road needs it, it’s not scruffy, but more houses will help me with my trade.”

In a design and access statement, WCH said the project will create a hub for Dines Green, improve community cohesion and interaction, and create a sense of place and identity.

If permission is granted, work will start in March 2013 and be competed by March 2015 and WCH said it will work with existing businesses to ensure their trade is not affected while the work takes place. The £9 million plans form the second phase of WCH’s £12 million regeneration of the Dines Green estate. Work is already underway on the £3 million scheme at the site of the former Drakes Drum pub in Tudor Way, which will become home to 23 two-bed flats, 29 parking bays and a grassed garden area.

The third phase will see the construction of nine family-sized affordable homes on land occupied by a disused garage following a £661,000 grant from Worcester City Council.