A ROW over a Worcester caf is reaching boiling point after an international company angered local businesses by attempting to sidestep planning regulations.

Caffe Nero - an Italian-style coffee house - caused a stir in the summer after it bought a vacant shop in The Shambles and began to kit out the store.

Though planning officers told them the unit had to be a shop, not a caf or restaurant, the firm pressed on.

Caffe Nero, which opened at the end of August, has now applied for a mixture of retail and caf use - even though other caf owners were previously told a change in use would not be supported.

Planning officer Paul O'Connor said: "We have pointed out to Caffe Nero that they seem to be operating as an A3 unit (caf or restaurant), which it is not meant to be used for.

"They say they aren't, and claim they are operating as a shop. Having investigated other branches it is clear, in our view, that it is going to be used as a caf."

Although Caffe Nero does sell packaged coffee it is primarily a caf, selling food and drinks for customers to sit in and eat.

Mr O'Connor said: "We consider it so much a caf that it couldn't be seen as mixed use."

The whole tale has left a bitter taste in the mouth of Roger Yeomans, owner of nearby Marbles Coffee Shop, who asked about converting the shop earlier this year only to be warned off by planners.

"I was told there would be no change in use for the property so didn't go ahead and buy it," he said. "I am now planning my letter of objection and I am not the only shop owner doing it.

"Caffe Nero has just ignored the council and gone ahead with the caf. In the meanwhile every customer they have is one that could be coming here."

Even if the planning application is refused the company can appeal, and the whole process could take 18 months for a decision - during which Caffe Nero can remain open.

However, if no compromise is reached, planners say they can force the branch to close.

Worcester City Council Planning Committee will discuss the application next month.

Caffe Nero declined to comment when approached.