UNIVERSITY chiefs are objecting to the revamp of former city diner Detroit's amid a dispute over a cycle path.

On Thursday Worcester City Council's planning committee will make a decision over whether to allow the Castle Street venue to reopen as a family restaurant.

But the University of Worcester has lodged opposition to the scheme, saying the restaurant wants to have services access the site via an "existing cycle path" which it owns.

A new report on the proposal says part of the cycling route is not in the ownership of Worcestershire County Council but the university, calling it "not a public highway".

But the restaurant bid appears likely to get the green light, with planning officers recommending that it gets the nod.

The council's planning department says the site is big enough "to accommodate the proposed development in an acceptable manner", despite concern from neighbours.

The plans for Detroit's first surfaced last month after the Pinches family, who run several other business venues in the city, said they wanted to revive the empty building.

Six neighbouring residents have objected, largely on the grounds of noise, parking problems, the use of the venue as a 'bar' and the outside seating, as well as the university's position.

But the council's report says decisions "should not be made solely on the basis of the number of representations", recommending it be approved.

The council has also voiced concern about the well-known building, which is directly opposite Worcester racecourse, being in "a poor state of repair", saying it damages the area's character.

It says: "The site is vacant and in a poor state of repair.

"(It) detracts from the character and appearance of the site and this part of the conservation area, where occupies a highly visible and prominent elevated position.

"The proposed refurbishment would allow it to be brought back into full, active use in a manner that would enhance the appearance and visual amenities of the site and the surrounding area."

The planning application has also been revised slightly, with the steps in Severn Terrace repositioned away from the older part of the wall, and a proposal to have 'bifolding doors' scrapped.

Planning officers have also recommended that the outdoor seating closest to homes in Severn Terrace be removed.

The Pinches family run Browns at the Quay and two city nightclubs - Bushwackers in Trinity Street and Sin in New Street.