DEVELOPERS have submitted plans for a £3.5 million DIY store and garden centre on the Lower Road Trading Estate in Ledbury.

Shipston on Stour developers Pettifer Estates Ltd wants permission for a 21,500 square feet DIY store and 10,000 sq ft garden centre on a part of the estate that does not preclude retail use.

The company has applied to Hereford-shire Council for planning permission, with a decision expected by June.

Andrew Stanley, associate director for Pettifer, said as part of the planning permission, the company was willing to provide £30,000 towards the cost of providing coach parking facilities in Ledbury, a key issue for attracting tourists to the town.

If approved by the council, the new development will offer 102 car-parking spaces on site.

Pettifer Estates says it is in talks with major operators over who will take over the running of the store once it is built.

Up to 40 new jobs will be created and building work could start as early as September or October.

The company recently pre-let a similarly-sized DIY store and garden centre at Newport in Shropshire to Focus DIY.

Herefordshire councillor Don Rule called the application "a vote of confidence in Ledbury". He said: "We are one of the few towns that really hasn't been affected by a downturn in business. We don't really have an empty shop".

The offer of funds for a coach park has been welcomed by members of both Ledbury Town Council and the Ledbury and District Tourist Association.

Andy Ward, chairman of the tourist association, said: "It's brilliant news. Now we need to find a site for the coach park that is safe, secure, is easy to get to and does not cause traffic chaos in the town."

Chris Clarke, Tourist Information Centre supervisor and vice-chairman of the association, said: "It's Christmas isn't it? We welcome this with open arms. But my feeling is that the coach park must not be too far from the town centre."

Ledbury mayor Noel Roberts agreed, saying: "The nearer the town centre, the better. A coach park is badly needed."

Deputy mayor Keith Francis questioned whether the store would need 102 spaces and asked if the the coach park could not be accomodated on the site itself.