A PLAN to allow alcohol to be served at the University of Worcester's newly renovated Art House has raised objections from neighbours concerned with noise and drunken disorder.

The landmark art deco building in Castle Street which has been refurbished by the university provides teaching and learning space as well as a site for its dance and drama students to put on shows.

Neighbours have said handing the university an alcohol licence would be a bad idea.

However, the university said there is "no intention" of making the Art House a student bar and alcohol will only be served not sold.

A spokesman for the university said: “The Art House is an exciting new academic building, which will be used for teaching, particularly illustration and fine art students.

"It will also host prestigious art exhibitions, such as the recent Migrations exhibition, which featured the work of world leading illustrators, as well as hosting children’s holiday camps.

“There is no intention for it to become a student bar: it is a teaching building.

"The university has applied for a licence in order to allow us host events and exhibition openings, which will be run in the same professional way, with many members of the community often invited to attend, as has been happening at our St John’s, Severn and city campuses for many years.

"We do not intend to sell alcohol at the venue, only to serve it at such events.

“The university is a responsible licensee and is committed to being a good neighbour and always seeks to provide a positive contribution to the city through many cultural activities.

"The Art House will allow us to do this even better."

Letters sent to Worcestershire Regulatory Services - the body responsible for handing out licences - opposing the plan said it would cause a "great public nuisance" and "exacerbate" crime in the area.

Other objections include parking around the grade II-listed building.

A letter sent by Liz Alridge said a plan to sell alcohol for 10 hours a day would be "totally unacceptable".

It read: "We already have noise and inconvenience from the Swan Theatre with inconsiderate parking and noise from their productions, and also noise from those leaving the theatre.

"The university never made us aware of their intentions to also turn it into what is it essentially a theatre, selling alcohol for most of the day till late."

An application to play music between 9am and 10pm seven days a week has also been submitted.

A decision will be made by the council licensing subcommittee next Friday (December 14).