A PLAN to turn a butcher's shop in Ledbury into a tandoori and balti takeaway is being opposed by local businesses.

Ledbury Independent Traders' Association has formally objected to the application for change of use by Birmingham-based Afsor Ali.

Mr Ali said he was looking for a 15 to 20-year lease on the building owned and currently occupied by butcher Andy Callwood.

However, he declined to comment further until Herefordshire Council has made a decision on his planning application. He expects to hear from the council by March 11.

The Callwood family will still own the freehold of the site but the premises are up for let. The family has already indicated that there are several interested parties.

Len Huff, chairman of Ledbury Independent Traders' Association, has submitted a LITA report and comments on the proposed takeaway to Herefordshire Council. Objections were raised at the LITA general meeting on January 26.

He said: "In the simplest possible terms, Ledbury would be losing another shop in a prime retail area in this most important of towns.

"In such a position, a takeaway restaurant will seriously affect the town's market trading reputation."

Mr Huff listed 12 restaurants and takeaways that already exist close to the proposed balti takeaway and he questioned the need for another.

However, speaking on Friday, Ross-based butcher Chris Callwood, the son of Andy Callwood, said the family was minded not to lease the premises to a balti and tandoori takeaway business, despite the planning application.

He said: "It will not be a tandoori takeaway. I can tell you that. It could be a delicatessen."

Mr Callwood declined to comment further.

The news was welcomed by Mr Huff, who said: "I'm delighted on behalf of my fellow traders."

The Callwoods have run their shop in Ledbury for 15 years. Prior to that, the shop was Churchill the butchers for many years. Andy Callwood has announced his intention to retire.