Protesters were this afternoon stepping up their fight against controversial plans to transform part of an historic Wolverhampton railway station into an Indian restaurant by attending a planning meeting.

Around 15 campaigners were expected at Wolverhampton’s Civic Centre as planning chiefs rule on proposals to convert the goods shed at Tettenhall Railway Station into a 100-seat balti house. Curry house bosses want the site to open every day from 10am to 11pm.

But planning officers have recommended the proposals be thrown out amid complaints from neighbours, claiming the restaurant would infringe on neighbours’ privacy and cause noise and smells.

Campaigner Margaret Nicklin, from nearby Henwood Road, said today: “We are hoping as many people as possible turn out for the meeting. We were told there would be around 15 people which shows the level of opposition.”

Tettenhall Wightwick councillor Joan Stevenson said: “I would prefer a tea room over a curry house.”

The station is undergoing a £600,000 revamp.

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