Grey Technology (GTech) have submitted its proposals to Worcester City Council to create a £5million office complex off the junction of Berkeley Way and Parsonage Way.
However, the application has sparked opposition from surrounding residents who have raised a series of concerns about the proposed development, which has not been included in the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP).
Bosses at Gtech, who develop household floor care and gardening, say they have ‘outgrown’ their current base in Spetchley, but Valeria Yeomans, 70, of Stafford Avenue, felt there were other locations where the company could relocate to.
“It seems completely unnecessary to build there,” she said. “There is a patch of land across the motorway which has been designated for technology development, so I can’t see any reason why it should be put where they are proposing.”
Cathy Pinnell, 46, of Falmouth, added: “We are very upset about this. We have sent in our objections as I think it is wrong to build an industrial unit on a residential side of Berkeley Way.
“As far as we knew, that bit of land was part of a green belt and everything shielded us from noises and pollution from the industrial side and the busy road.”
Mrs Pinnell said she was also concerned about the scheme’s closeness to St Nicholas Church which she feared would be “swamped” if it goes ahead.
Two public meetings have also been held where residents voiced their concerns, while Warndon Parish Council have sent in a letter of objection.
Dave Long, chairman of the parish council, said: “The concern of the parish council and also from many local residents is that if this application is approved a precedent will be established for any other development proposals in the vicinity of the Green Network, in addition to those already outlined in the SWDP and result in speculative development bids for any green spaces, regardless of their current perception of protected status.”
However, Nick Grey, chief executive of Gtech, which are looking to increase its workforce to 100, assured residents the development would “safe-guard” the area from further development and has vowed to “work in harmony” with people in the area.
“Since Spring 2012, Gtech has searched many sites in and around Worcester, Pershore and Droitwich but none suitable were found,” he said.
“Having outgrown our existing premises, we have a duty of care to our staff to find them somewhere suitable to work from.
“We received overwhelming support for the scheme together with great encouragement to support Worcester by keeping Gtech local. However, it is perfectly natural that those whose doorstep we are talking about should have their say.”
