A COUNTY councillor has tempered the widespread enthusiasm for University College Worcester's expansion to a second site with a stark warning to developers.

Coun Andrew Roberts has welcomed news of the multi-million pound transformation of Castle Street hospital into a UCW campus.

On Monday the Evening News revealed the plans, which include accomodation for 400 students, a state-of-the-art library, a restaurant and walkways across the viaduct.

However, Coun Roberts has urged developers to ensure nearby residents, such as those in Britannia Square and the Arboretum, are fully involved in the planning process.

The comments come just weeks after a meeting at the Henwick Road, St John's college, which saw residents criticise student behaviour and raise fears over parking in residential streets.

"The existing college on the city's west side has attracted some unfortunate publicity," said Coun Roberts.

"This may have been unfair on occasions, but it will still cause concern to those who live in the neighbourhood of Castle Street.

"It is reasonable to expect that residents will not want to be subjected to unnecessary noise and disturbance and will not want already difficult parking arrangements worsened.

"I trust that their goodwill and generosity will not be taken for granted, and that they will be fully engaged in the planning process as soon as possible".

So far this term, student parking has not been a problem for St John's residents, who are invited to discuss their concerns with representatives of the college at monthly forums.

And UCW's marketing manager, Pam Stubbs, said plans for Castle Street were in their early stages and development would be subject to the usual consultation procedures.

"Clearly it is early days for the project and all the diagrams and pictures are for illustration at the moment," she said.

"All future developments will be subject to the usual planning procedures."