A NEW plan to convert a former undertakers into two flats has been put forward after an appeal was thrown out by a government inspector.

Fair Construction wants to revamp a utility and coffin storage area behind a grade II-listed former undertakers in St John's in Worcester.

The developer had its appeal to the government's planning inspectorate to overturn the decision rejected in September because both apartments would have been below the national minimum size of 37 square metres for one-bed flats.

Fair Construction has now put forward new plans to convert the former undertakers with one flat increasing to 57 square metres.

The developer said both flats would be better lit but one would still be 34 square metres in size.

A statement included with the planning application said: "The proposal is a revised scheme following the refusal of a previous application and its dismissal at appeal.

In that proposal the Inspector considered that the occupants of the proposed apartments would have an ‘enclosed outlook’ which would result in an overbearing impact on their living conditions.

"The revised scheme addresses that concern, and more generally provides significantly improved living conditions in both apartment due to the provision of separate areas of open space, one significantly enlarged unit, new glazed openings, a revised internal layout and a much improved outlook from the main living areas."

The government planning inspector did say the size of the flats and the lack of windows would make them "enclosed" and "overbearing" with his report adding 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 four 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.