A FORMER pub in rural Worcestershire is to be demolished and replaced with a new retirement complex despite concerns around overdevelopment and the impact on traffic.

Wychavon District Council’s planning committee granted the application to knock down the semi-derelict Red Lion pub in Droitwich Road, Bradley Green, about six miles east of Droitwich, and replace it with 10 assisted living apartments at a meeting on Thursday, June 25.

Although applicant Nicholas Rands had initially lodged a planning application last year for 17 apartments, this was later reduced to 10.

A report by the council’s planning officers said the development, to include eight two-bedroom apartments and two one-bedroom units, would have a number of benefits, including helping to fill the district’s predicted need for 1,118 more ‘extra care’ units by 2026.

The report said: “It is anticipated that the proposed development will engender a sense of community for residents with occupants being able to be live independently whilst not being isolated”.

But in letter to the department Edward Colson of nearby The Bungalows raised a number of issues, saying he was concerned the application did not include provision for enough parking for visitors, the proposed garden area was too small and a lack of buses in the area would mean traffic in the area would be increased significantly.

In a separate letter Mr Colson also said he believed the development would constitute overdevelopment of the site.

A letter by another neighbour also raised concerns around both the speed and the volume of traffic in the area.

Although Stoke and Bradley Parish Council did not object to the plans, it did ask that it was ensured there would be enough car parking spaces.

Members voted to grant the application on a number of conditions, including that building work should not begin until detailed plans around how the safety of traffic will be ensured are developed.