PLANS for a bistro, offices and 14 apartments "will destroy the economic well-being" of Kidderminster, councillors heard.

The Church Street car park development has been given the go-ahead but raised a mixed response among members of Wyre Forest District Council planning committee.

Residents and business owners are concerned the new plans - submitted by Jordan House Investments - will mean a loss of car parking spaces, which will affect trade in the area.

Margaret Plumley, who has lived and owned a business in Church Street for 19 years, said: "Parking on Church Street has always been a nightmare and we always have problems with people using our parking facilities.

"A new building with a residential area, a bistro and offices is going to cause more problems and put pressure on the existing car parks."

Mrs Plumley added: "I do not feel this has been thought through. Most people have more than one car and it's going to be horrendous. I can't bear the thought of what a nightmare it will be."

Health Concern councillor, Howard Martin, told the meeting he could not support the development due to the lack of parking spaces.

He added: "I want to see the town develop but there is a vast amount of empty property there already.

"When the lease is up, businesses will be out and we will end up with a ghost town. I think the economic well-being of the area will be destroyed."

Liberal councillor, Fran Oborski, was happy with the plans but agreed taking away parking spaces would have an "impact" on businesses in the street.

She added: "Church Street is used by patients using the osteopaths and medical practices. I don't like using subways and that's what we will be forcing patients to do."

Labour councillor, Chris Nicholls, said: "I think this facility is excellent. It's very pleasing. I think it will be of benefit to the area."