CONCERN is growing in Little Comberton, near Pershore, over what may replace R.G. Stephens & Sons Ltd at Grange Farm when the huge agricultural concern moves.

Wychavon District Council has indicated that permission might be given to develop two brick buildings on the site for commercial use, and a barn for agricultural storage, or a combination of mobile caravans and holiday lets.

Parish councillors, who have fought off up-market housing development at appeal, do not want to see any development which might attract noise, dust or vermin, or create traffic problems in the access lane.

Little Comberton parish councillor Arthur Wood said: "The entrance to the site is a very narrow road. The plans would have to be acceptable to the residents on both sides of the property."

The nearest neighbour, Lila Bailey, is strongly against caravans or any commercial use on the land, which lies behind her house.

Mrs Bailey said: "I am horrified by the prospect of commercial development or caravans, although holiday lets would be fine.

"I had no objection to the previous application for residential use because it would be much better than what we have got there now."

The company is now seeking approval for a retirement complex on the site to finance its move to the outskirts of the village.

Director Jamie Stephens said: "We need to find an acceptable use both for the benefit of the village and ourselves from a financial point of view."

The senior planning officer for Wychavon, Fred Davies, said: "Clearly they have got existing use for agricultural storage and the buildings and barn could be suitable for re-use. We have no policy for residential use, however."