Plans to knock down a former restaurant have been given final approval by planners.

Two new homes will be built on the site of the Wagon Wheel in Grimley, near Worcester.

Councillors backed the plans last April - and final permission has now been granted following the completion of a Section 106 agreement.

This sets out how much money a developer pays towards public infrastructure projects such as roads and playgrounds.

According to its website, the restaurant closed in December 2022.

A message from owners Giuseppe and Julie Giuliano says: “We would like to thank all our customers for their loyal support during the last 35 years.”

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The couple had been trying to sell the restaurant for a number of years in order to retire and had several planning applications refused.

Planners at Malvern Hills District Council rejected an application in July 2019 to convert the restaurant into homes as it was a “valued community facility” that would not be replaced in Grimley if it closed.

Mr and Mrs Giuliano appealed that decision, but despite the government’s planning inspector ruling that the restaurant was not a ‘community asset’, the appeal was thrown out.

Planning inspector Gareth Thomas determined there was a risk of flooding and the homes would be out of character for the village.

In a planning statement submitted as part of the now-approved application, the developers said: “The application site is considered to be within a sustainable location, and would also make a contribution to housing supply within the district.

“The present owners of the Wagon Wheel have built the business since their ownership began over 31 years ago.

“They are experienced restauranteurs, and the Wagon Wheel has operated successfully as a restaurant but not as a traditional pub.

“Very little trade has been achieved from the pub/drinks side of the business.

“In recent years the restaurant trade has also suffered as a result of the growth in the sector of chain pubs offering discounted food.

“Mr and Mrs Giuliano are now of retirement age and have sought to sell the business actively since 2014.”