PLANNING rules may be relaxed in an attempt to lure businesses into a vacant shop at the entrance to Redditch Market - which is having an "adverse" effect on the area.

The unit, in Market Walk behind Redditch Library, has been vacant since the Kingfisher Centre redevelopment two years ago and now the centre has asked Redditch Council to look again at what it can be used for.

Until now, the only permitted use for it was for selling food and drink but the centre has been unable to find a tenant since August 2002.

Last night, councillors on the planning committee were due to examine whether the unit should now be made available for retail, financial or professional services.

In a report for councillors, planning officers said the unit had originally being designated for food and drink to add to the diverse mix of uses within the new development and the vitality and "viability" of the town centre.

The unit had been marketed extensively but the report states it is now having an "adverse impact" on the area.

The report concluded: "Given the length of time this unit has remained vacant, it is in the best interests of the town centre to secure an appropriate use rather than it remaining vacant."

Councillors were due to decide last night.