A PLAN to convert a former city centre dance studio into a 16-bed HMO has moved a step closer.

In the already approved plan, a neglected building previously occupied Star Stage School of Dancing in Britannia Road off Upper Tything is due to be converted into a 16 bedroom house with multiple occupation (HMO) to be used by University of Worcester students.

Developer Ardor Properties Ltd has now submitted extra details and plans to Worcester City Council which allow for work on the building’s conversion to move forward.

A design statement included with the application, which was approved in October last year, said the HMO would help provide high-quality accommodation for University of Worcester students.

It said: “The plan recognises that it is a rapidly growing university. Growth in the university results in a commensurate need for high quality accommodation.

“Some of the accommodation needs can be accommodated on campus, however there is still a substantial residual need for purpose built accommodation and conversions of family homes off-campus.

“The property is perfectly located to meet this need and is within 150m of both the university’s city centre campus and their new Arts House building.”

The two-storey will include 16 bedrooms with en-suite toilets and showers, a shared kitchen, two living rooms and indoor bicycle and bin storage rooms.

The design statement said the redevelopment of the neglected building would have a positive effect on the local conservation area whilst remaining authentic to its original ‘industrial’ nature and ‘back lane’ feel.

On the advice of highways chiefs at Worcestershire County Council and due to its city centre location, the building would be a car-free development and encourages the use of public transport.

The old dance studio had four car parking spaces to the front, which were deemed to be of an inadequate length and not served from a dropped kerb.

The plan for the new HMO would remove all parking spaces from the front of the property and rebuild a kerb.

The plan includes one ground floor disabled access room which would measure at 18 metre squared and 15 rooms spread across two floors all measuring between 11 metres squared and 15 metres squared.

The new discharge of condition application for change of use from dance studio to HMO was submitted on March 10 and a decision is currently pending.