A CANTONESE restaurant at the centre of a controversial Powick development scheme is due to open again in July, following a fire that caused extensive damage to the dining room.

Chanz (pictured above), formerly the New Hing Tai, had just re-opened after refurbishment when the fire started in the roof of the dining area last March.

Helen Chan, who runs the restaurant, insisted it would "re-open and remain open".

But under plans put forward recently by Carlton Developments (Worcestershire) Ltd, for 18/20 Malvern Road, Powick, the restaurant building would be demolished along with the house next door.

Nineteen new homes, including seven houses, a bungalow and 11 flats, would be built in their place.

The scheme, which is opposed by the parish council and a number of neighbours, is the latest in a succession of proposals for the site.

Permission has been given for 10 new homes, but an earlier scheme for 13 units, including a three-storey apartment block, a pair of houses and a block of maisonettes, raised a storm of protest.

A Malvern Hills planning committee turned it down on grounds of over-development, although planning officers considered it an efficient use of previously developed land.

Northern area planning officer Andrew Moody said developers could submit applications for other people's land, provided they notified the owners of their intentions.

"They can get planning permission, but they cannot force the owners to sell, if they want to stay," he said.

A spokesman for Carlton Developments (Worcestershire) Ltd declined to comment on the application, which has still to be considered by Malvern Hills District Council.