Controversial plans to transform part of a historic Wolverhampton railway station into an Indian restaurant look set to hit the buffers, much to the delight of people living nearby who campaigned against it.

Developers want to convert the goods shed at Tettenhall Railway Station into a 100-seat balti house, open everyday until 11pm and employing 15 members of staff. However, planning officers from Wolverhampton City Council believe the restaurant would infringe on neighbours’ privacy and have a negative impact on the area due to noise and smells.

A 60-name petition against the scheme and 11 letters of objection have been sent to the council from worried residents, as well as a letter from Rob Marris MP raising concerns about the restaurant’s proposed joint use of the car park with Smestow Valley Local Nature Reserve.

The station is undergoing a £600,000 revamp into a visitors centre for the nature reserve, but a lack of funds meant the council had to seek outside investment for the goods shed, which is the largest building on the site.

Council officer Martyn Gregory has recommended the scheme is refused when it goes before the planning committee on Tuesday.

His report says: “Following a detailed analysis of the proposals, it is readily evident that the proposed use would not be compatible with the aims and objectives of Smestow Valley Nature Reserve. The scheme submitted is severely lacking in details in respect of internal and external refurbishment, usage, smells, noise and car parking arrangements.”

Tettenhall Wightwick councillor Wendy Thompson said today: “Now a recommendation has been made it is up to the planning committee to either agree or disagree. But it is true that there have been a considerable number of residents who have voiced their concerns about this scheme.”

One Tettenhall Vera Biddle, aged 72, said: “I sat down to write a letter and a poem came out instead. I was so annoyed, the words just came tumbling out.

“We all like a curry but in the right place.”