The disused swimming pool at Sansome Walk in Worcester could soon be flattened.

Worcester City Council has applied to its own planning committee for permission to demolish the building that has been empty for 18 months.

But some neighbours of the abandoned pool are concerned about risks to health caused by demolition.

The eventual plan for the site is to build accommodation, run by the YMCA, on the site although that scheme does not have planning permission.

The first step is for the city council to be allowed to knock down the brick-clad pool complex.

The council’s deputy director of economic and planning Nichola Robinson wrote: “The site became surplus to the Council’s requirements following construction of a replacement swimming pool at Perdiswell.

“The city council recognises the site as being particularly important as part of the regeneration of the city and has an aspiration for sustainable residential development.”

Even if the demolition is approved it will not be a simple job.

The fabric of the building includes asbestos which has to be treated as hazardous waste. Previously it has been suggested that it might be contained by erecting a large tent over the building as it is torn down.

Some nearby residents are concerned about the effects of asbestos being released.

One resident of Wood Terrace also wrote to the council to express support for the housing scheme suggested for the site.

The application will be determined by the city council’s planning committee at its meeting at 1.30pm on Thursday 24 May.