CONTROVERSIAL plans to build on Worcester's green network may be abandoned after a huge public outcry against it.

Worcester company Gtech, which secured planning permission to build on treasured green land at Warndon Villages in March, has decided to relocate elsewhere in a surprise twist.

Despite 950 public objections and outrage from Historic England, Worcester City Council handed the firm permission over a new headquarters on green fields off Berkeley Way.

But Gtech has now bought a 30,000 sq ft building on Shire Business Park and relocated all its staff, saying the decision means it can stay in Worcester and carry on with its expansion plans inside a "brand new HQ".

The move is a significant boost for Worcester's economy as Gtech was potentially considering leaving the city altogether due to problems in finding a suitable location.

The Worcester News can exclusively reveal how the manufacturer, which makes vacuum cleaners, power tools and other appliances, now says the Berkeley Way project is "on hold", with the deeply controversial development perhaps unlikely to ever now go ahead.

Despite the planning committee approving Berkeley Way five months ago, it has still not been signed off as discussions continue over what financial contributions it should pay towards transport infrastructure.

It has progressed to the national arbitration stage, with both sides unable to agree over it.

The Berkeley Way project will be "reviewed" in 12 months’ time, but Gtech said it has already moved into its brand new HQ because it needs the space to expand now.

Delighted campaigners have been left ecstatic by the decision - and say they hope the original scheme will be abandoned for good.

Dr Rachel Pryke, chair of the 'Protect Warndon Conservation Area Group', said: "We are absolutely delighted they've managed to find a suitable site, we're wholeheartedly in favour.

"We have never had a problem with the company, Gtech is a Worcester business and we'll give this our full support.

"But having recognised the importance of this site, let's see if we can now protect it and make it an established nature reserve."

Councillor Alan Feeney, who helped with the campaign, said: "I want the best possible outcome for Worcester - we support the project at Shire Business Park but have never backed the scheme at Berkeley Way, it’s just not the right location.

"I've always been clear that I welcome Gtech, but that original location was not the right one - I hope Gtech has come to that realisation too.

"I will give him my backing 100 per cent in this new venture, but will always respond to the needs of those who elect me to protect the green space we cherish so much - I wish the company well."

Inventor Nick Grey, 47, Gtech's founder, said he has employed 40 extra staff since March, taking the workforce to around 120 and needed to move fast to secure a new HQ after launching six new products.

It also intends to grow further inside its new base.

He added: "Worcester is our home and we always wanted to stay here.

"But there is such a dearth of high quality industrial units in our size range with good motorway access, that we feared we might have to look further afield.

"This building provides an ideal solution, as it allows us to remain in Worcester and retain all staff, which is vital for our continued growth strategy."

He insisted a decision over Berkeley Way will now not be made for another year, with the firm wanting to see how it fares as its new site first.

Earlier this year The Sunday Times named Gtech as Britain's second fastest growing company based on three years' worth of profits - and it is one of the most innovative.

Councillors were so anxious to keep it in Worcester, they decided on a shock u-turn in March by allowing it to build on the green network if it wanted, sparking uproar among campaigners.

The new HQ it has bought is the former home of Coomber Electronic Equipment, with Shire Business Park based off Wainwright Road near Junction 6 of the M5.

The building was available for rent at a price of £165,000, but the firm made an offer to buy it outright, which was accepted.