THERE was jubilation at last for a Leominster business that had thought its expansion plans would be put on hold for a second time.

But Herefordshire Council's northern area planning sub-committee has given planning permission for M & M Sports to use part of an industrial building as a shop, for a limited time.

A similar application by the firm had been refused in January, and planning officers had recommended that the revised proposal for the Southern Avenue property be turned down as well.

Discounted and end-of-line sports and leisure goods from the mail order company's stock will be sold from the shop, at least until 2003 when permission expires.

Speaking on news of the approved application, joint manager Mark Ellis said: "It was excellent. A compromise was made - a victory for common sense!

"It's good news for jobs and good news for the locality."