PLANS have been submitted for a four-storey block of more than 70 retirement flats on the corner of Pershore High Street and Cherry Orchard Road.

A spokesman for the developers, Morbaine Ltd, said the application represented the only practical way to use the one-acre site and came after years of negotiation with Wychavon District Council planners.

However, fears have been expressed that the development would lead to the loss of employment land and possibly jobs.

Andy Wilkinson, a self-employed mechanic who has been based at the site for five years, said: "A lot of us have customers who drop their cars off and walk home or into town. If we go to a business park we will have to start running courtesy cars. Ultimately this extra cost will be passed on to customers."

Martin Harrington, a property consultant representing ATS Euromaster on Cherry Orchard, said: "My clients would consider a loss of employment a detriment to the local community."

Some nearby residents also have concerns about the proposals. Katie Harris, who lives on the High Street overlooking the site, said: "I am surprised they would even consider letting them have four storeys - it could set a precedent. My main concern is that we will lose a lot of light."

Alex Brodie, development director at Cheshire-based Morbaine, said a retirement complex was the only practical way to develop the site, adding that mixed residential and retail use and straightforward residential options had both been explored and rejected. The plans will be discussed at the next meeting of Pershore Town Council's planning committee before they go before Wychavon' planning committee for a decision next month.

Anyone wishing to have their say on the scheme must send their comments to the council's head of planning before July 7.