UPDATED plans for Ledbury's former Countrywide have been revealed, with the coronavirus pandemic changing the new owner's plans.

Fruit and vegetable suppliers Newberry International Produce want to redevelop the Hazel Park site, off Dymock Road, with four phases to the move.

Architects working on the scheme previously had plans to demolish the old Countrywide store approved by Herefordshire Council planners, but this was delayed.

They were given the green light for the new store, with 51,935 sq ft of retail space, compared with 20,300 sq ft currently, in May 2020.

But due to the coronavirus pandemic, Newberry International Produce, based in Newent, reconsidered its plans, with interim measures drawn up.

The firm then asked Herefordshire Council if it could build an extension to the front of the industrial unit, left empty by Countrywide in 2018, for production and loading purposes.

"Unfortunately, the current pandemic has caused the re-assessment of the timeframes in which these approvals can be completed," a design and access statement submitted as part of the planning application process said.

"During that re-assessment need for an interim step has been identified so as to enable a more measured and gradual transition towards completion of the site’s redevelopment.

"This application which we have referenced ‘phase four’ represents a stepping stone.

"The interim proposal is to form smaller versions of the facilities currently approved until such time as the full scheme can be achieved."

It added: "All new materials will match as far as possible the existing built form to ensure that the proposed will blend with the existing structure."

The forecourt outside the unit has five car parking spaces, and one space for a lorry, according to architects.

This would be reorganised, creating spaces for 26 cars, three motorbikes and six bicycles.

Comments on application 211237 can be made until Thursday, July 15, with a decision expected on Thursday, August 12.