A CONTROVERSIAL planning application for a four-storey block of flats and offices in Droitwich looks finally set to be given the go-ahead, despite widespread criticism of the proposal.

The proposal for 55 flats and four offices on the Droitwich Garages site in St George's Square first went before Wychavon District Council on Thursday, August 31, when it met with objection from a number of residents, the Inland Waterways Association, Droitwich Canals Trust, Environment Agency, and Droitwich Town Council.

Councillors decided then to delay making a decision to give the applicant, UK Investments Ltd, time to address points raised by these groups. These included the building design, with people saying it would put off boaters from stopping at Droitwich. There were also protests about it being an overdevelopment and objections that there was not enough parking.

The scheme has since been amended from a five-storey building and now includes basement parking. The development also now addresses concerns about flooding by proposing to re-open an historic canal basin spur.

These changes have made little impact on protesters though, with the town council being the only one to change its mind.

The Environment Agency still objects "on the grounds that there is insufficient information with the application in relation to possible land contamination and flood risk," and the civic society is still concerned about pedestrian and motorist safety as the site in on a crossroad.

A petition from 159 residents, as well as 16 individual letters of concern, have been sent into Wychavon District Council since the last meeting, including one having a go at the local authority itself, saying it should "listen to the public, rather than developers who do not care for the general public."

Another one read: "The scheme should be scrapped or those responsible should be held to account."

But, despite the show of unrest, councillors at Wychavon have been advised by their officers to approve the plans. Members will meet tomorrow.