A BID to turn a family home into student digs has been thrown out by an inspector - in a significant victory for Worcester City Council.

Property owners have tried to secure permission for another student property in St John's, with a planning application drawn up for a 'change of use' for 57 Woodstock Road.

But after the city council rejected the bid an appeal was lodged, resulting in a legal battle overseen by an independent inspector.

The verdict has now settled in the council's favour - because accepting it would have meant 20 per cent of all the properties within a 100-metre radius being flats for students or young professionals.

It follows a well-publicised crackdown on student homes which was launched in Worcester in September last year, known as 'Article 4'.

Bitterly opposed by many landlords, the policy is for a maximum of 10 per cent of properties in any 100-metre circle to be so-called HMOs (Houses of Multiple Occupation).

A report back from the Planning Inspectorate said St John's would suffer a further "inbalance" between families and students if it went ahead.

The decision notice, by inspector Alexander Walker, said: "Whilst there is already in excess of 10 per cent of HMOs in the area, to allow more would result in a further imbalance in the housing provision, which would be significantly harmful to the sustainability of the community."

The result is a big win for the council, and means the chances of defending more appeals are even stronger.

It is the second time the authority has won a legal battle over its policy - back in January this year inspectors rejected an appeal over turning 24 Lambert Road in St John's into a six-bed HMO.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, the deputy leader and cabinet member for economic prosperity, city centre and riverside, said: "It’s very good news the inspector has again supported our aim of ensuring houses of multiple occupation are located in the right places, rather than being concentrated in particular areas of the city."

HMOs are classed as any property containing three or more people from two different families.

Under the policy, anyone looking to run one must apply to the city council for a 'change of use' first.

It was launched after years of concern areas like St John's were being swamped by students.