A DERELICT former Worcester car sales showroom is going to be turned into 20 apartments for people with learning difficulties.

The old First Car Sales site in Comer Road, St John's will undergo a redevelopment so it becomes a small 'supported living' plot for special needs adults.

Worcester City Council's planning committee has given the scheme its approval after being won over by the revamp.

Under the move Kent-based Specialised Supported Housing Ltd will build 20 self-contained flats in a three-storey development.

There will be an office, lounge, bathroom and sleeping facilities for 14 on-site staff, who will support the tenants with their physical and mental learning difficulties.

A dozen car parking spaces will also be created on the land to avoid visitors clogging up the area's busy roads.

It was given the nod by the planning committee despite objections from two nearby properties on the grounds of it being "overbearing" and reducing the natural light.

St John's Councillor Richard Udall also handed in a written objection, saying the scale of the development will damage the area, impact on the utilities and make existing parking issues worse.

He said: "I believe this an over-development of the site, squeezing 20 apartments onto this site is over top and too much.

"It could create serious disadvantages for the existing community, such as drainage and water supply - I would like to see a reduction in the number of units.

"Secondly, the scale of the development is out of keeping with the area.

"Three storeys are too high and will have an overbearing impact upon neighbouring properties.

"Reducing it to two storeys would be more in line with local expectations."

But it was approved unanimously, with councillors saying they saw no reason no turn it down.

The old car site has not been in regular use since 2014 with its appearance a complete eyesore.

A report for the committee called the development "a significant improvement on the existing vacant land", saying it would "add vibrancy and activity to this key point of St John's" in an impressively-designed building.

Senior planning officer Alan Coleman said: "This scheme is acceptable in principle, and subject to the conditions set out we are recommending it for approval."

Councillor Geoff Williams added: "I'm happy to move the recommendation to accept it."