PLANS to turn a historic pub into solicitors' offices were blocked by planners who said the move would harm the character of the city centre.

The Plough public house, in Fish Street, is a grade II listed building that dates back to the early 18th Century and has been an inn for at least 200 years.

Neighbouring solicitors firm Harrison Clark applied to renovate the building, put offices on the ground and first floor, and add an extension to connect it to an outdoor toilet block.

Worcester City Council planning committee has now refused the bid, saying the pub added to the diversity of the city centre and its loss would harm the conservation area.

They also noted The Plough was one of the few traditional pubs in the city and said that strong opposition from real ale campaigners Camra had persuaded them.

Councillor Paul Denham said: "This particular pub is one of the very few available that caters for more mature, responsible drinkers and doesn't have loud music." They also agreed the applicants had failed to prove the business was not financially viable - a requisite for removing a pub. Coun Pam Clayton added: "It's in an area of the city with tourist facilities, and is the sort of pub in which visitors would enjoy having a drink because it is in character with its historic surroundings."

In the application's defence, chief planning officer Paul O'Connor said Harrison Clark had shown they could take care of an important site as its offices are a listed building. Chairman of the planning committee Coun Robert Rowden also said: "We have somebody who wants to provide an employment site where we haven't got one and we are turning it down. It seems a little odd."

However, the bid was refused by 11 of the 12 members, with the other abstaining. The committee also asked for a letter to be written to Camra, asking the organisation to support The Plough and help maintain it as a traditional pub.

Campaign For Real Ale spokesman Bill Ottaway said the group was "very pleased" with the decision.