A RUN-DOWN pub in Barbourne is set to be transformed as part of plans to build a new housing development in the area.
But fears have been raised proposals to demolish the Cavalier Tavern, off St George’s Lane North, and replace it with 11 homes and a pub could create further parking misery for surrounding residents.
Coun George Squires, councillor for the area, told The Observer he had been contacted by a number of people who have expressed concerns about the scheme, which has been tabled by Lowesmoor Developments.
He said many of those welcomed the introduction of a new “upmarket” pub as it would replace the existing Cavalier Tavern, which he said had received some noise complaints from residents.
But Coun Squires insisted the application has sparked concerns about parking as the development offers 11 spaces for people living at the proposed 11-bedroom apartment block.
“I have had three e-mails, a letter and a phone call and the main issue has been around parking and traffic,” he said. “For example, someone said ‘when are the planners going to realise that Worcester needs more roads to park all the extra cars’.
“Another resident said the number of new homes will have an effect on the infrastructure, for instance increased traffic along St George’s Lane North.
“My concerns is that there is plenty of parking for 11 one-bedroom flats, but there is no additional parking for the pub itself.”
Cheryl Barker, who lives on Shrubbery Road, believed there was not enough parking spaces for potential residents and feared cars would spill over to nearby roads.
“Parking is an ongoing issue in this area,” she said. “There is a resident near where I live who is thinking of leaving because it is so bad.
“It is up to them what they build on there, but I am worried about the over-flow parking as there is one allocation per dwelling. We have got two cars, so it is going to make the situation doubly worse around here.”
However, Simon Read, of Glazzard Architects, which designed the scheme, said they had met all the parking standards set out by the city council.
“I think it is a sustainable solution to have one car parking space per dwelling,” he said. “More than that is a little excessive and that’s how the planning officer would look at it.
“Regarding the parking for the pub, we have allocated one space. As it is a pub we don’t anticipate that people will drive there as it is there to serve people in the local area.”
Mr Read also revealed the proposed pub, which would be a micro-brewery, would not feature a skittle alley or a function room and he believed the development would “bring the community together”.
