A PLANNING inspector has rejected renewed efforts to open a Victorian-style 'gin palace' in the city centre.

Worcester City Council's licensing and planning committees previously rebuffed applications by Amber Taverns to turn the old Co-op store, in Angel Street, Worcester, into a pub.

Councillors were worried that the plans would lead to an increase in crime.

Amber Taverns challenged the planners' decision, however the planning inspectorate sided with the city council.

Andrew Owen, a planning inspector, wrote: “I do not doubt that the combination of pubs, restaurants, nightclubs and hot food takeaway outlets in the immediate vicinity generates a level of activity late in the evening which may bubble over into anti-social behaviour, disorder and even crime.

“In summary, I consider that the proposal would be likely to result in an increase in the number of people visiting Angel Street during the evening period.

"This would potentially increase the likelihood of incidences of anti-social behaviour, disorder and crime occurring.”

Sam Frankland, property director at Amber Taverns, said he was 'highly disappointed' by the decision.

He added: "We are a socially responsible pub operator with 144 pubs through England and Wales and have an excellent working relationship with police forces up and down the country.

"The opening of one new pub in Worcester would not have materially affected the level of crime and disorder in the city.

"We have sympathy with police forces who have had their budgets cut, but these should not prevent much needed alternative development in town and city centres.

"We are therefore disappointed we are not opening a Hogarths in Worcester and bringing this unloved building back into use."

He added that Amber Taverns has now dropped its plans for the site, as it would have to go to the High Court to overturn the decision.

Lynn Denham, city councillor for Cathedral ward, who was against the plans, said: "There should be a variety of activities and opportunities within the city centre, these days people come into town for an overall shopping or cultural experience, of which a drink out is just one part of."

The councillor said Worcester could follow the lead of other cities by allowing small pop-up shops and independents to set up in the old Co-op store.

The planning inspectorate rejected the appeal on January 7.

The Co-op store closed in 2016.