tHE effect of a new DIY superstore and garden centre on Ledbury town centre is being probed by Herefordshire Council.

The council has been asked to grant planning permission for a £3.5m development on the Lower Road Trading Estate.

But it has commissioned a retail impact assessment study from specialist consultants, which will take several weeks.

Colin Rodway, who owns the hardware and DIY store on The Homend, said: "The store will make an impact, but all we have to do is prove we are as good as they are. I hope the fact that we have been here for a reasonable period of time will also help."

Shipston on Stour developers Pettifer Estates Ltd want to build a 21,500 sq ft DIY store and 10,000 sq ft garden centre.

Jonathan Barrett, the council's head of planning, said the study was a normal part of the decision-making process and would look at the impact the proposed store would have on a specialist retail field.

Town councillor Peter Watts, chairman of its planning committee, said: "I have no problem with the development. I'm glad to see these sorts of stores coming into the area. The impact won't be much, but it's making for a viable town."