A BID to transform a former Halesowen barbers into a cafe/restaurant has been thrown out by planners.

The application to convert the former Grade #1 Barbers on Malt Mill Lane into an eatery selling sandwiches/wraps/burgers, breakfasts, patties and pastries and desserts has been turned down.

Notes to planners stated the shop has been empty since start of year and has been having issues with rubbish being dumped at the rear.

Halesowen News: The site on Shell Corner, Halesowen The site on Shell Corner, Halesowen (Image: Google)

Plans also include the creation of a two-bedroom flat on the first floor and a seating area with approximately 24 seats, counter, waiting area, prep/kitchen area, store and toilet on the ground floor.

A design and access statement said: "With the site currently vacant it is now more prone to anti-social activities, and potential visual harm.

"With the occupancy of a running business, it always helps as a deterrent to such potential harm."

They go on to say that eatery would "attract passing trade and would be guaranteed to have something that would appeal to most."

But planners said that there was not enough evidence to confirm whether the application was for a cafe/restaurant or a takeaway and turned down the application.

They also said the flat did not comply with national space standards.

A report states: "Where seating is proposed, the seating layout is more akin to a takeaway rather than a more formalised café/restaurant style seating area, for example featuring separate tables for different party numbers.

"Furthermore, there are no customer toilets on the premises making it less likely that customers will stay on the premises to consume food."