ANOTHER Worcester pub is going to vanish - sparking fury as councillors lamented their "lack of powers" to block it.

The Lakes, which is based in Ambleside Drive, Warndon and dates back to the 1960s, is going to become a convenience store.

Your Worcester News can reveal how the Government relaxed planning laws earlier this year which means pubs can become shops under 'change of use' rules which councils are powerless to stop.

The move, designed to boost the economy, means until May 2016 under legislation, planning authorities cannot block it, and only have powers to debate the external appearance of any change.

It sparked anger during a meeting of Worcester City Council's planning committee, where members said the relation goes too far.

There were eight written objections to the convenience store plan, with residents saying there is no need for it, bemoaning extra traffic and suggesting it will harm nearby shops.

One of the objections was from Costcutter, at 75 Ambleside Drive.

Councillor Geoff Williams, the committee chairman, said: "There are mixed views about this in the community, there are those who are concerned about it, but also those who say because it's had a chequered history, opening and closing so often, any permanent change is welcome.

"And it's a matter of conjecture how much extra traffic it will generate as opposed to a pub.

"But I've called this in to make the point that this is something we have no control over, all we can look at is the external appearance of the building."

Councillor Roger Berry said: "It just shows how we are powerless as local councillors.

"Clearly, a convenience store will have an impact on other nearby shops, and I also believe it will generate more traffic than a pub.

"For years, we've been trying to resolve congestion in this area, it's one of Worcester's well-known rat runs.

"I am afraid we are totally powerless to do anything about it, it's terrible how the Government has taken power away from councillors."

Others lamented the pub's loss, with Councillor Jo Hodges saying: "I really regret its loss, it dates back to the 1960s and in fact Tom Jones performed there before he was famous.

"It's another gathering place, a place where people can celebrate anniversaries and special events, gone.

"There is a large community around there who need somewhere to gather - it's a very sad occasion."

They had no objections to the external changes, which include new windows and other cosmetic improvements.