AN old barbershop in Herefordshire is set to get a new lease of life as a tattoo parlour, it has been revealed.

Herefordshire Council planners have given the go-ahead for a change of use of 40 Bye Street in Ledbury from class E (barber) to sui generis (tattoo and piercing parlour).

Bye Street Barbers had previously run from the shop, opposite the town's fire station, but Fiona Younie applied to the council for the change of use.

The application form said the 23.90 square metre site would be allowed to open from 9am until 9pm Monday to Friday, 9am until 10pm Saturday and 10am until 4pm on Sunday.

Prior to permission being granted, case officer Matthew Neilson said: "As the proposed change of use refers to a building which is situated within the centre of Ledbury which is predominantly used as retail activity it is not considered that the proposed change of use would represent any appreciable increase in harm to local or public amenity."

He added: "The proposed use of this site as a tattoo parlour is considered to be suitable and appropriate.

"Indeed, this proposed use reflects a similar use to the adjacent units. Therefore, the site can accommodate this type of use."