A PLAN to convert a coffin storage room at a former undertakers into apartments will still not be allowed to go ahead after the developer failed in its bid to have a council rejection overturned.

Worcester City Council rejected a plan by Fair Construction to revamp a utility and coffin storage area behind a grade II-listed former undertakers in St John's because both flats would be too small and views from the windows would be too restricted.

Developer Fair Construction had its appeal to the government's planning inspectorate to overturn the decision rejected.

The government planning inspector said the size of the flats and the lack of windows would make them "enclosed" and "overbearing."

The report added that the flats had a "subterranean" look which would be harmful to anybody living in them.

The inspector also said that despite a neighbouring flat being of a similar size, the council's refusal could still not be overturned.

Fair Construction had argued the size of the apartments was only the same as others in the area including 27-square-metre and 33-square-metre flats in Swanpool Walk which made the below-standard size insignificant.

Council planning officers said the apartments, which measured 34 and 35 square metres, could not be approved because they were too small and would provide an "unacceptable" environment for future tenants.

Planners said both apartments would have been below the national minimum size of 37 square metres for one-bed flats.

The listed building, which dates back to the 18th century, has been empty for more than three years.

The plans, submitted in December last year, said businesses looking to move in were put off by the large storage areas behind the shop and converting the space into apartments would make it more attractive to potential suitors.

The shop and some utility space would have been kept under the plans with only minor alterations made to the modern extensions.

A house of multiple occupation (HMO) and flats above the shop would also have stayed.