Plea to keep hotel's old features

An historic Bewdley hotel situated in the heart of the town centre must retain its original features when it gets turned into a pub, insist local residents.

National pub chain J D Weatherspoon plc has recently taken over 17th century, Grade-II listed George Hotel in Load Street with plans to transform it into a thriving nightspot.

But members of Bewdley Civic Society say they want to see the building's ancient features retained in the refurbishment plan.

They also claim people are fearful the scheme could ruin the peace of the area.

And they want to see the front room of the hotel retained as a family space.

Four letters of objection have been sent in to Wyre Forest District Council's planning development control committee who are set to meet on Thursday.

Officials have recommended the go-ahead for the scheme subject to certain conditions including materials and landscaping.

Weatherspoons has asked permission to alter the use of the ground floor and basement into a wine bar and restaurant with hotel accommodation on the first, second and third floors, providing four extra bedrooms.

Proposals also include extensions, a rear boundary wall and gates and removal of a servants staircase.