Plans to turn a former pub into a HMO are coming back before the council with more than double the number of bedrooms.

City councillors approved a scheme to convert the old Berwick Arms on the corner of Bath Road and Stanley Street into a three-bed house of multiple occupation (HMO) in December.

That was despite concerns over a lack of parking and that the council was “being taken for a ride”.

The original application had been for an eight-bed HMO but was scaled back following a raft of complaints from neighbours.

Before eventually approving the plans last year, councillors feared the building would be used to house more people despite only having permission for three bedrooms.

But officers, who were worried about how much it would cost the council if the scheme was approved on appeal, told members they could not refuse the application on gut instinct.

A new application sets out plans to turn the former pub, which closed in 2011 and then became a four-bedroom house, into a seven-bed HMO.

Despite concerns raised by councillors and residents over previous proposals, the new application includes no plan to increase the property’s two off-street parking spaces.

According to Worcestershire planning policy, seven-bedroom HMOs or houses should have at least four car parking spaces.

But in planning documents, architects Principle Design Building Consultancy argue there are enough bus services, taxi firms, shops and other amenities in the area to reduce the need for car ownership.

Neighbour Elaine Edwards said the new proposal is “extremely concerning”.

She said: “There is only parking provision for two cars at the property and on street parking for three cars which serves eight houses on Stanley Street plus the property in question.

“There are already, regularly cars parked on the double yellow lines outside the property which is very dangerous as cars turn in off the Bath Road.”

Michael Styles, who also lives in Stanley Street, says he often struggles to park near his home despite being a Blue Badge holder.

“This problem, I fear, will get far, far worse and greatly affect the quality of our life.”

He added: “Please reject this proposal. It completely stinks of sheer profiteering without any regard whatsoever to the existing residents.”