Curry house's HMO bid rejected over listed fears

Worcester City Council said the plans would have harmed the listed building

Plans to build student housing above an Indian restaurant in Worcester have been rejected.

The owners of the Bombay Palace in The Tything, Worcester, had wanted to build a two-storey extension to create a six-bed house of multiple occupation (HMO).

City planners said the development would harm the Grade II listed building and would fail to respect the character of the area.

According to plans submitted to Worcester City Council, the two floors above Bombay Palace are currently empty.

A statement with the application said the proposal would have provided much needed student accommodation for the city as well as more income for the business.

The plan was that the two-storey extension at the back of the building would have allowed the restaurant to extend its kitchen - and increase the living space in the upper floors.

Students would have had their own separate access to the HMO rooms through an external metal staircase.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.