THE latest plan to re-develop Worcester's Northwick Cinema into a housing development has been submitted to the city council.

The applicant, Bomer Developments, wants to change the use of the Grade II Listed building to Class A1 retail, build 16 one and two- bedroom apartments, with access and interior and exterior alterations plus car parking.

The building, on Ombersley Road, which was built in 1938, is still owned by city businessman Ian Perks.

The application has been submitted speculatively with the sale dependant on an application being approved.

"The deal has been done. We're just waiting for a plan to be approved," said Mr Perks.

The city council's principal planning officer, Peter Yates, told the Evening News that his department is aiming to have a report prepared for the planning committee meeting on Thursday, December 9.

He believed the proposed use of the building would be an antique dealership.

A last proposal, for 23 residential units at the back of the cinema, was withdrawn just before the planning committee met in May.

However, planning officers had already recommended refusing that application on the grounds that it would have resulted in inadequate parking, open space and recreational needs as well as harming the character of Coombs Road.

Re-development of the site has been a contentious issue since it closed in 1996.

A range of ideas, from an asylum centre to a place of worship, have all been suggested for the building, which boasts an Art Deco interior featuring the last intact works of designer, John Alexander.

Former Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Gareth Jones, last year said the whole building should be knocked down in favour of quality apartments.

The cinema was a bingo hall from 1966 to 1982. It stood empty until 1991 when Mr Perks turned it into a live music venue.