A BID to build a supermarket next to a post office in Areley Kings in Stourport has finally been given the go-ahead by planners.

The Londis supermarket will be combined with the post office at Areley Common after councillors accepted a slimmed down scheme.

The development "could become the heart of Areley Kings", said councillor Ken Stokes, a member of Wyre Forest District Council's planning (development control) committee, which voted through the plan.

The committee had refused a plan for the shop last April but was presented with a different application on Tuesday last week.

The rear extension, to go on the site of a garage and surrounding buildings, had been reduced in size, was lower and, therefore, would "dramatically reduce the impact on neighbouring properties", the applicant had stated.

Developer, Perry's Trading, had submitted the plan to move the Londis store from the corner of Bowpatch Road to the new site.

"The combining of the post office and the Londis store will secure the future of both businesses for the conceivable future," the applicant's supporting statement said.

Members were told the plan was for "top-up" shopping, meaning residents would not have to cross the bridge into the town centre.

Mr Stokes told the meeting: "Here we have people who probably can't get into the main town of Stourport, who will be unable to cross the bridge in the future if things go on as they are, and it could become the new heart of Areley Kings."