A REDUCED plan to build 27 flats in Evesham town centre looks finally set to be allowed to go ahead.

The plan by housing association Rooftop Housing to build the flats on the corner of Swan Lane and Rynal Street would see a number of empty buildings demolished to make way for the social rent flats.

The two-and-three-storey buildings to house the mix of one-and-two-bed flats would replace the empty buildings which have been vacant for a number of years.

Wychavon District Council’s planning committee meets later this afternoon (April 30) to make a decision with a recommendation from the council’s planning officers that it should get the green light.

A total of 27 car parking spaces would also be built.

A plan by Rooftop Housing to build 36 flats on the same site was withdrawn last year 18 months after it was put forward.

Neighbours had raised concerns about the size and height of the building as well as traffic and congestion.

Rooftop said the number and type of properties had been chosen because of a demand for affordable one-and-two bed flats in Evesham.

Evesham Town Council welcomed the plan saying it would "vastly improve" a vacant site.

The council's conservation officers said the plan should be refused and would prefer to see the existing buildings converted rather than demolished. Officers also said the modern building would be out of character with the surrounding homes.

Wychavon District Council's planning committee meets at 2pm today (April 30).

A webcast of the meeting can be watched via the council's website.