PLANS have been submitted to Herefordshire Council for a retail and office development in Bye Street, on the site of the furniture and house removal business run by the Jenkins brothers.

Landlord Roger Allsop, of Malvair Properties Ltd, Malvern, is seeking renewed full and Conservation Area consent for the demolition of the warehouse-type building known as The Depot and the erection of four brick-built shop units with offices above.

The agent for the development is Church Lane architect, Ian Stainburn.

Current tenant Terry Jenkins said he knew that planning consent had existed for such development when he moved in nine years ago.

It was granted under the Malvern Hills District Council but needs to be renewed.

Commenting on the loss of the site, Mr Jenkins said: "We wouldn't bother to open up in Ledbury again; too much hassle. We don't make any money out of Ledbury people, but out of holiday makers and we don't get any sun anymore, to get anyone in."

The proposals have been welcomed cautiously by the chairman of the Ledbury Independent Traders Association, Len Huff, who said: "Yes, it would be great, but I hope the planners will take into account all the ramifications, such as car parking and the narrow pavement. I do hope the Jenkins brothers will be found somewhere else."

Mr Huff suggested the shops could be set back from the narrow pavement, with a forecourt in front.

Ledbury Town Council received the planning application for consideration yesterday morning (Thursday), and town councillors have until June 26 to give their recommendations to Herefordshire Council.