A NUMBER of planning applications will be discussed by councillors next week.

Worcester City Council's planning committee meets on Thursday (October 24) to make decisions on proposals for a bigger Next clothing store at the city's Elgar Retail Park, refurbishments of the tennis courts at Cripplegate Park and a new events building at Manor Farm.

Fashion giant Next would take over a bigger unit in Elgar Retail Park currently home to autocentre Halfords, if plans are approved.

Halfords would move to neighbouring Blackpole Retail Park.

READ MORE: Plans for bigger Next store at Elgar Retail Park revealed

Councillors will also decide whether to go ahead with planned refurbishments to the public tennis courts at Cripplegate Park.

Five new courts would be fitted and twelve floodlights would be installed.

The courts were damaged when Worcestershire County Council used it as a compound when carrying out flood prevention work in New Road.

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A plan to build eight three-storey homes in Pope Iron Road will also go before planners.

The plan by Lockley Homes received a number of objections from residents but it has been recommended by officers that the plan should be approved.

READ MORE: Developer speaks out to address neighbours' fears over three-storey homes in Pope Iron Road in Worcester

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A decision should also be made about a proposal to build a new events building at Manor Farm in Malvern Road.

Bennetts Farm wants to build a new single-storey modern barn building with outdoor seating to be used as a venue for a range of events including weddings, wakes, markets and workshops.

A decision was postponed in August to allow for parking arrangements to be confirmed.

READ MORE: Decision due on whether Manor Farm's new wedding barn can be built

READ MORE: Manor Farm's plan to build new events building in Worcester

READ MORE: Manor Farm's plan to build wedding barn in Worcester set to be approved

READ MORE: Bennetts Farm plan to build new wedding venue at Manor Farm hit with delay

Council planners will also decide whether to allow Anytime Fitness Club in Basin Road to open between 6am and 11pm every day.

The plan was called in by Cllr Lynn Denham after significant concern from neighbours.

READ MORE: Anger over gym's plan to erect 'intrusive' signage and 'open 24/7'

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The meeting takes place at 1.30pm in the Guildhall on Thursday, October 24.