UPMARKET flats will be built on the site of a restaurant in Worcester despite concerns over its design and suitability for the area.

The proposal to demolish Pete’s Restaurant, formerly the Little Sauce Factory, and build five flats on the corner of London Road and Fort Royal Hill have divided opinion among the city council’s planning committee.

But it narrowly won approval – seven votes in favour to five against – bringing an end three years of debate over the future of the site.

We previously reported in your Worcester News how a similar scheme for six flats, including a clock tower, was turned down in the summer despite officers recommending the development get the go-ahead.

The new plans do not include a clock tower and show a simpler building with a flat slate roof. The retaining wall has also been incorporated into the design while five parking spaces, one for the disabled, are included.

There is also a provision for the developer to contribute £3,844 to nearby schools.

At the planning meeting, members were in agreement that the proposal was an improvement on the two previous applications, although some still had reservations.

Councillor David Tibbutt, who is cabinet member for urban renaissance, said: “This building I like, but not in this setting. It would fit in another area in the city but it just doesn’t fit in with the environment here.”

Coun Barry Mackenzie-Williams agreed. “The old Little Sauce Factory may not be a thing of great beauty but it fits in,” he said.

Coun Alan Amos said: “It’s simply too big. I accept this is a better building but not here. It’s in the wrong place.”

However, Coun Geoff Williams said that while the design might not be to everyone’s taste that alone was not a good enough reason for refusal.

“I happen to quite like this one because the building is quite simple,” he said. “It doesn’t detract from the view of the cathedral.

“Given the building and where it is, you are never going to get a unanimous view from the people living nearby, this committee, or interest groups.”

Coun David Candler agreed while Coun Aubrey Tarbuck said he would have been quite happy with the original plans.

“The existing building is an eyesore to the area,” he said.

Coun Sue Askin said: “I’m not entirely happy but I really think we have come to an end on this one.”

The site’s owner, city businessman Peter Styles, was unavailable for comment.