THE owner of the fire-damaged buildings in High Town in Hereford has been given planning permission to refurbish the retail units and build homes.

Herefordshire Council granted permission to Omaha Guernsey LP at the start of the week to refurbish the two former shops, which were hit by fire in October 2010.

They have lain untouched since then prompting many complaints from residents.

As well as the shops the company has been given permission to build 12 residential units above the shops, seven apartments facing East Street and to refurbish a redundant building to form one home.

The application has been approved, with conditions attached.