PLANS to build a new football stadium in Worcester have been effectively refused by city planners in a dramatic twist which leaves the future of the project uncertain.

The 4,400-capacity stadium for Worcester City Football Club had split opinion among residents.

And this afternoon it split the opinions of the planning committee with voting ending up in a tie that resulted in the authority's planning committee chairman, Councillor Chris Mitchell, being forced to use his casting vote.

The application was debated for nearly two hours during the meeting at the Guildhall, with more than 100 in the public gallery applauding comments in favour and against the application.

Committee chairman Cllr Mitchell's decision to vote against the scheme had added drama as this was not in line with the officer's recommendations to grant planning permission to the scheme.

The plans for the scheme in Perdiswell Park were first drawn up as far back as April 2014, the submitted application featuring plans for tiered stands, a supporters bar, a conference room, directors lounge and club shop.

During the public speaking section appeals were made for the committee to "use their power" to reject the scheme on various grounds including noise, claims that alternative sites were more appropriate, and that the proposal was not for the benefit of the community, but the benefit of the supporters trust.

However speakers in favour pointed out the plan was sustainable, in line with the South Worcestershire Development Plan and National Planning Policy Framework.

Councillors also appealed to committee members, among them Councillor Neil Laurenson who said he wanted Worcester City back in the city, but he didn't think Perdiswell was the right location.

In response Councillor Adrian Gregson, speaking as a Rainbow Hill councillor, said the "overarching" consideration had to be bringing the football club back to the city, and not the views of some who simply did not want a football club in their area.

During the members debate, Councillor Patricia Agar said she was supporting the scheme as alternative sites have been considered unsuitable while the Perdiswell proposal was suitable.

Councillor Lynn Denham said a substantial list of conditions officers had attached to the proposal "minimised the disbenefits".

But Councillor Roger Knight said he was concerned about the loss of more open space, while Councillor Alan Amos said residents who had opposed the scheme should not be ignored.

Significantly, chairman Cllr Mitchell said he couldn't see how a football club could be seen as a community amenity.

When the vote was taken there were gasps in the public gallery as members voted five for, and five against.

A second vote, on minded to refuse, was summarily tied but approved on the chairman's casting vote.

Among the reasons given were that it was due to the significant erosion of a green public space.

Although minded to refuse, the reasons will need to be looked at and considered by the committee at its next meeting, being held in July, before a final decision is taken.