THE ball is now officially rolling for the controversial Waitrose development and work could begin in autumn.

The three-month judicial review period for proposals expired on Friday and no objections were lodged.

This means the application, which has been approved by Wychavon District Council, won't be sent to the High Court for consideration and work on the new supermarket can begin.

Waitrose plans to demolish the Indoor Market Hall, off Gurneys Lane, to make way for the new supermaket.

Current traders will be moved to an outdoor piazza area off High Street and some covered kiosks will be built for selected stallholders.

A Waitrose spokeswoman said: "We are very pleased and look forward to starting work in the autumn."

The judicial review period allows residents to object to planning applications on the grounds that they are not lawful.

It can prove a popular delaying tactic.

Wychavon granted approval last year, despite protests from some Spa residents and Kwik Save who didn't want the store.

At the time, there were also calls to build off Kidderminster Road instead.