NEW plans for the city's former American diner Detroit's have been revealed – but have sparked opposition from people living nearby.

The Pinches family, who run several other venues in the city, say they want to revive the empty building on the corner of Castle Street, outside Worcester Racecourse, as a family restaurant.

But people living in listed Georgian homes in nearby Severn Terrace have raised concerns that exterior changes may allow the site, which is classed for restaurant use, to be used for drinking in what they have termed "mission creep."

The plans, submitted to Worcester City Council, show steps leading from Severn Terrace to an outdoor eating area, which will form a new entrance for the restaurant.

This entrance will be through bi-fold doors, replacing the existing windows, and the restaurant will also include a large bar area with stools for seating.

Another entrance will lead off Castle Street, with the old car park removed and a smaller turning area in its place.

The Pinches family also run Browns at the Quay, on Quay Street, and two city nightclubs – Bushwackers in Trinity Street and Sin in New Street.

They say the changes are simply about making the venue "more accessible".

But one concerned resident, Chris Hawley, who lives in Severn Terrace, said: "My concern is that the bar, combined with the outside terrace may encourage a 'drinking on the terrace' atmosphere, and suggests "mission creep" from the restaurant concept.

"If this happened then there is likely to be more instances of antisocial behaviour, which is a real concern."

Another resident, David Dignam, says he is concerned about noise and the possibility of antisocial behaviour.

He also pointed out that customers may try to park in Easy Row, rather than pay to park at Pitchcroft.

Police have also objected saying the bi-fold doors and fence show a desire to make greater use of the outside area and the bar area is too large.

Mike Stephenson, West Mercia's divisional crime risk manager, says he wants to see the emphasis on waitress service and for drinks only to be served outside if accompanied by food.

However, Darren Pinches, whose wife Jessica will run the restaurant, said: "We want to use the public car park and that's the reason for the steps.

"It's making it more accessible.

"It's a lovely position there overlooking the racecourse.

"We saw this with Brown's.

"There was an outcry with Brown's with people saying 'would Brown's be a nightclub' but it has ended up being what we said it would be.

"We are not looking at extending any hours or having it as an entertainment venue.

"It's a bit of an eyesore now.

"I think they are having a few complaints and people sleeping rough round the back and the quicker we get it sorted it will be better for the neighbours.

"Hopefully we will enhance the area. We just want to make it a good-quality family restaurant."

Mr Pinches says the plan is to attract families with a reasonably priced restaurant that will also serve lunch or dinner to students, race-goers and workers.

He says there are no plans to hold any live music, which had previously happened at Detroit's, and that the steps would be on the corner of Severn Terrace and Castle Street, away from homes.

Details of proposed opening hours are not included in the application.

But Mr Pinches says he expects them to be broadly similar to what was in place before.

Detroit's was open until 9.30pm on weeknights, 10.30pm on Fridays and 11.30pm on Saturdays.

The Pinches family also run another Bushwackers nightclub in Birmingham and a restaurant in Cheltenham.