City planners are expected to knock back proposals to breathe new life into a derelict former tram depot because of fears over parking and its affect on neighbouring industrial properties.

In June, the Post reported that a new application had been lodged to transform the old depot in Highgate Road, Sparkbrook, into a restaurant, banqueting hall and three-storey car park providing 160 spaces.

The project, which is expected to create around 50 jobs, would also require demolition of adjoining premises in Studley Street to facilitate some of the parking.

The building, which opened in 1913, has been vacant for several years, is now partially roofed and has fallen into a state of disrepair.

It was also once the home of Euro Packaging but this business is now based in Yardley.

A report published ahead of next Thursday's city council planning committee recommends councillors reject the application on several grounds.

It said: "Although the retention, sympathetic refurbishment and re-use of the former tram depot would be supported, the proposed development would result in the loss of adjoining occupied industrial premises without any justification.

"(It) would result in inadequate parking, servicing and vehicle access arrangements and detrimentally impact on local residential occupiers in terms of noise and disturbance, particularly from the comings and goings of customers.

"The means of vehicle access to/from the site, the servicing facilities and car parking proposed are inadequate and would lead to additional parking in nearby roads, to the detriment of pedestrian and highway safety.

"The proposed development would adversely affect the amenities of occupiers of dwellings/premises in the vicinity by reason of noise and general disturbance.

"The proposal does not provide any reasoning to justify the loss of occupied industrial premises to a non-industrial use."