Plans to demolish and rebuild the headquarters of a Worcester charity have been deferred.

The Myriad Centre wants to replace its current building in St George’s Road, Barbourne, with a purpose-built facility.

The proposal came up before the city council’s planning committee on Thursday, February 22 but during a question and answer session between councillors and the centre’s chief executive and architect, a question about the provision of cycle parking was raised that could not be resolved on the day.

Neighbour Claire Summers had told the planning committee there is a major parking problem in the area and raised concerns that the development of the centre would make this worse.

She said staff from the centre and commuters heading into the city centre use St George’s Walk and surrounding streets to park.

“I worry every day when I come home from work, will I find parking in my street?”

Myriad Centre CEO Richard Whateley said: “The Myriad Centre has delivered care and support to people with profound and multiple learning disabilities since 2007.

“There is a growing need for our service. The property on St George’s Walk is an adaptation, not a purpose-designed facility. We made it work for 17 years but the compromises we made over time put a strain on clients, staff and the building.

“Our building has not been fit for purpose for some time.”

Mr Whateley said the charity wants to stay in the same location, where it is part of the community and clients can access Gheluvelt Park.

Architect Jonathan Davey told councillors that Worcestershire Highways had been consulted throughout the development of the planning proposal.

“This has been specially designed to meet the needs of Myriad Centre’s staff and clients,” he said.

“It will offer a warm and welcoming environment, give access to a garden and outdoor space, and unlike the current building will have full wheelchair access.”