Part of one of Bridgnorth’s most historic buildings looks set to be saved from being converted into homes.

Developers want to turn a gym at the rear of the Grade I listed Bishop Percy’s House, in Cartway, into four two-storey homes.

But the controversial plans, which have attracted opposition from conservationists and residents, have now been recommended for refusal by planning chiefs.

They say the homes would have a negative impact on the look of Bishop Percy’s House itself.

James Rowley, of Alveley, has applied for permission to convert the 1950′s National Association of Boys Clubs brick built gymnasium on land that forms part of the curtilage of Bishop Percy’s House.

The building is within Bridgnorth Conservation Area and the proposed conversion has been opposed by Bridgnorth Town Council which said it was ” not conducive to the street scene”.

Bridgnorth District Council’s conservation officer has also objected to it as well as 17 neighbouring residents who said it was not in keeping with area and would look like “seaside accommodation”.

However Bridgnorth Civic Society said it fully supported the plans. In a report to district councillors, planning officer Sara Jones recommended the scheme for refusal.

She said: “The proposal would neither preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and would detract from the setting of the adjoining Grade I Listed Building known as Bishop Percys House. It is considered that, whilst the concept of the proposal is acceptable, the final design execution fails to maximise the opportunities afforded by the site.” The plans will be considered by the council’s development control committee on January 7.