THE aroma of coffee and chocolate could soon be wafting through Upton-upon-Severn from the former premises of Cromwells Chocolatiers.

New owner Nick Hannah is hoping to open a new-style coffee shop on the first floor, offering a range of teas, coffees and chocolates, while continuing to sell chocolates downstairs.

His ambitions, which depend on receiving planning permission, include renovating and refurbishing the building at 20 Church Street, to provide showrooms for an interiors business, specialising in fabrics and furniture made by craftsmen.

The business would be a family concern, involving his wife, Sue, and daughters, Sally and Jayne.

Mr Hannah, who bought the building and Cromwells' remaining stock after the chocolatiers went into liquidation in August, re-opened the shop in November and introduced high-class chocolates from other manufacturers in time for the Christmas trade.

"We won't be making any more chocolate on the premises," he said.

"All the moulds, recipes and machinery were taken away to be sold by the liquidators and we're buying new styles of chocolate from different suppliers.

"We're also doing a range of handmade chocolate boxes that can be used afterwards as jewellery boxes.''

Mr Hannah, who lives at Holly Bush, Upton-upon-Severn, previously had a kitchen textiles business in Pershore.

Upton Town Council was due to consider his planning application tonight.

He is applying for change of use of the ground floor from confectionery manufacturing to retail and change of use of the first floor from retail to coffee shop.

An application has also been made for a new external door to the passageway at the side of the building and internal alterations including re-opening fireplaces.