A WORCESTER pasty shop has been given the go-ahead by the city council, despite concerns that its presence contravenes the 1998 Local Plan.

The Falmouth Pasty Shop was granted temporary planning permission to trade in St Swithin's Street in 1995, when the thoroughfare had several vacant premises

Permission was renewed in 1997, but it runs out in December this year. Planning officers say there are no more vacant premises in the street and having a food take-out shop there is contrary to the Local Plan.

They say that, in the plan, St Swithin's Street was allocated for secondary shopping only and that continuing the permission would contradict this.

Officers also say the pasty shop is not in keeping with the area because it does not attract window shoppers or comparison shoppers.

Applicant Bruce Eddy disagrees. "The shop is on the guided tour route and guides bring tourists to the shop. Our window does cause interest," he said.

Mr Eddy said the council was wrong to say the whole street was occupied, as some premises still remained vacant.

"I have five full-time staff on the premises and have been successfully trading for six years," he added.

City council planning committee members also want the shop front to be altered to include a new timber frame, such as those on the Lakeland and Halifax premises further down the street, and for the first floor to be used for accommodation.

Although Mr Eddy said he was concerned about the cost of replacing the shop front, he said he would be happy to hand over the first floor to a housing association or a company.

"We aren't in the business of putting people out of business or putting people on the unemployment line," said chairman, Coun Derek Prodger.

The committee agreed to extend planning permission beyond December 31 this year, on the condition that plans for a new shop front are presented and the first floor is used for accommodation.