Moves to establish an Abbey National bank at the Bullring shopping centre are likely to be rejected by Birmingham City Council's planning committee.
An application by Bullring owners, the Birmingham Alliance, would contravene an agreement drawn up when the centre was built that stores should be primarily retail in nature, according to city planners.
The committee will consider a proposal on Thursday to site the bank at the entrance to the Bullring, in empty premises.
But a report by planning officer Rob Wells recommends turning down the application.
Mr Wells said the introduction of financial services into the Bullring would not add to the vitality of the centre.
"I consider this to be particularly important at the centre entrance as this would set the tone and identity of the centre," Mr Wells added.
