RETAIL chain Co-op is having another go at at building a convenience store in the grounds of a Powick pub.

Earlier this year, Malvern Hills District Council turned down plans to build the shop on land at the Three Nuns, Colletts Green.

But developer New River Retail has now put in a new planning application, which it hopes will overcome the objections that let to the first plan's refusal.

Among the reasons for refusal last time were: not enough turning space for delivery lorries, not enough room for visibility splays, lack of pedestrian access and the risk of anti-social behaviour.

The application says that the "development is accessible by a choice of means of transport, will be easily accessible on foot to the surrounding residential area, and will deliver positive benefits in terms of improving the vitality of the area, boosting the local economy and creating in excess of 20 new jobs".

The original plan was opposed by local residents and by Powick Parish Council.

The Colletts Green Action Group wrote that many residents had significant concerns about the impact of increased traffic on the community, with Sparrow Hall Lane, which leads to the site, becoming a "rat run" of drivers coming to use the shop and its cash machine.

Fears were also voiced that it could lead to the closure and loss of the pub.

Andrew Lamb, chairman of Powick Parish Council, said this week: "Most people in the parish see the need for a retail outlet locally, but the major debate is where it should be located; that's the nub of the discussion.

"A lot of people feel that the Three Nuns is the wrong location, a little off the beaten track, and the people living nearby certainly have concerns about the parking and the access, and the size of the proposed building.

"The parish council will be meeting on the first Wednesday in September, and we'll probably be discussing it then."