CONTROVERSIAL plans to modernise parts of one of Worcester's most important historic sites have been refused.

Worcester City Council's planning committee yesterday rejected proposals to install a new kitchen in a panelled room in the medieval Old Palace on Deansway following fierce objections by conservation and heritage groups.

English Heritage said to carry out the proposed work - in a room which is currently being used as a kitchen - would have a "detrimental effect" on the character, appearance and fabric of the site.

The proposal includes laying vinyl on the floor and installing modern equipment in a room in which 18th Century panelling has been uncovered.

Despite planning officer Alan Coleman explaining that the measures would be "fully reversible" members felt it was too big a risk to take.

Councillor Barry Mackenzie-Williams said: "This is architecturally probably the most important building in Worcester.

"There is architecture going back to the 13th Century. As I understand it, the kitchen we are talking about only existed in this space during the 20th Century.

"Work has exposed very, very important ancient features and the risk must be that continued use as a kitchen, which is a space which generates heat and steam could cause damage.

"This is an area that needs to be protected."

The grade 1 listed Old Palace, close to Worcester Cathedral, dates back to the 13th Century and is used to accommodate the Bishop of Worcester.

Referring to Mr Coleman's remarks that some of the previous works carried out had been done unsympathetically, councillor Geoff Williams added that it was: "Trying to make the best of what is probably a bad job to start with."

He added: "In cases like this, we are not talking about a garden fence, we are talking about very important internal bits which could be lost forever."

The application, by law, will have to be referred to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Andy Burnham.

Meanwhile, an application to transform part of the former Royal Worcester Porcelain site on Severn Street into a restaurant was deferred by the committee. Berkeley Homes had applied to transform the bone mill into a restaurant.