CONCERNED campaigners protested against a firm’s plan which they claim would irrevocably damage a historic Worcester church and its surrounds.

The group of residents held up placards outside an event about Gtech’s proposals to build a new 2,915sq m HQ near 900-year-old Grade I listed St Nicholas Church in Warndon Villages.

After the picket at Lyppard Grange Community Centre today (Saturday 18) the opposition group headed inside to find out more information about the plans and grill Gtech’s boss about the details.

Nick Grey from the business said he understood residents’ worries but his firm's proposals were as sympathetic as possible and would actually "enhance" the area.

GTech, which makes vacuum cleaners, power tools and other appliances, has applied to build a new £5 million office, research facility and storage space at land off the junction of Berkeley Way and Parsonage Way.

Rachel Pryke, spokeswoman for the campaigners, said: “There’s been huge opposition and more objections to this proposal than anything else in recent years in Worcester.

“There are suitable alternative sites available which won’t have such an impact on the environment.

“We’re actively supportive of creating more jobs for Worcester but we feel the proposal has a lot of flaws and also doesn’t comply with planning legislation.

“We’ve only got three Grade I listed buildings in Worcester and this is going to damage [the church] forever.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to make sure Gtech understand how much people are concerned and how important this is.”

Gtech CEO Nick Grey said the firm had assessed every site available to build on and this was the most appropriate.

“All the experts agree that this will enhance the site,” he said.

“Frankly we wouldn’t do it if we thought it was bad for the environment – we’re an environmentally friendly company.

“We see it as taking on the responsibility for safeguarding the green network.

“These people all know the area very well, they know about the traffic, they walk their dogs around here, so there’s a lot of information we can gain from them.

“Information they give us can make it a win-win for everybody.”

To view the plans search for application P15P0013 on Worcester City Council’s planning portal.