PLANS to convert a listed building in an historic city street into a home have been backed by the council.

The plan, which would see a three-storey listed building in Edgar Street converted from offices into a home, was put forward again after a previous plan for apartments was withdrawn after several neighbours raised concerns.

The building will now be converted into a five-bedroom home after the plan was given the green light by planners at Worcester City Council.

The former office building sits in front of the historic Edgar Tower and is a stone’s throw from Worcester Cathedral.

The plan proved controversial when it was put forward in July.

Several objections had been raised by neighbours in Edgar Street saying the flats would be “out-of-keeping” and they were concerned by the lack of car parking in the “overcrowded street.” Concerns over more litter, which would attract rats and gulls,were also put forward.

One objection said five apartments was “overdevelopment” and the plan would “irrevocably” change the character of one of the city’s most historic streets.

Another resident in Edgar Street said “jamming” five flats into a listed building could increase the risk of fire.

Developer Worcester Properties has already carried out several office-to-apartment conversions in listed buildings throughout the city centre and has recently gained permission to convert a listed building in Shaw Street.

It said converting the offices into a home would ensure the building is kept in excellent condition.

The developer said the plans to build apartments would have future-proofed the building as office space in the city centre was becoming less popular.

“It is with this in mind, the similar characteristics that [the building in] Edgar Street has to these example properties and recent comments and objections received from a previous withdrawn application to convert to apartments that we intend to convert the building into a residential dwelling. This will ensure that this heritage asset will also benefit from ongoing upkeep and maintenance ensuring the building stays in the same high-quality condition it is now."