FOOD Warehouse looks set to open in Hereford, and bosses say more than 25 jobs could be created.

The supermarket, run by retail giants Iceland, said up to 25 full and part-time jobs could be created once the shop is open, with additional jobs for store fitting and maintenance.

The retail chain sells frozen, chilled, and fresh food as well as homeware, cleaning products, toys, and alcohol at affordable prices, with the brand only formed in 2014.

The Food Warehouse had asked Herefordshire Council if it could vary a planning permission condition to be able to take over the unit at Salmon Retail Park in Holmer Road – with planners approving the scheme.

Planning documents said Iceland had "no intention" of closing its existing shop in Eign Street, and having both brands had been successful in other cities such as Gloucester.

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It said the shop would "positively contribute" to the local area through the "retention and creation of jobs", with the unit now vacant after Oak Furnitureland went into administration. Dreams and B&M currently occupy the other two units. 

A planning and retail assessment said there was "no viable demand from non-food retailers" at Salmon Retail Park, made up of three units around 1.2km north of Hereford.

Consultants felt there was a "clear threat" that vacant units would make "no positive contribution to the local economy in challenging economic times when job creation is critical" as the coronavirus pandemic ends.

The document added that bosses had considered the Old Market and Maylord shopping centres, but at the time there were no units large enough for their plans.

The consultants said the plans would secure the long-term occupancy of the store, and bring employment opportunities.

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It would also strengthen an established retail location, bring investment, improve the local visual amenity through refurbishment and reduce vehicle shopping miles.

In conditions attached to the permission being granted, planners said there must be no lorries arriving, unloading or leaving the site outside the hours of 6am to 7am Monday to Saturday, and not at all on Sundays, Bank or Public Holidays.

They also said no noise-generating external plant or equipment can be installed without prior-approval, and the net sales area of the shop cannot extend to more than 900 square metres.

Before The Food Warehouse opens, it must provide "full details" of a scheme for cycle parking, as well as a plan detailing all staff parking to the rear of the building.