THE former cattle market in Worcester should be developed into retail businesses that complement existing firms in the city, according to a leading city councillor.

Councillor Derek Prodger, who is chairman of the city's planning committee, said the Croft Road site could provide an ideal opportunity to develop small retail units, cafes or restaurants.

His comments came after Asda's appeal to build a store at the site was rejected. The city's planning committee threw out the plans in March.

In the appeal rejection report, Government inspector Clifford Hughes said the proposed 67,000sq ft supermarket would do little to enhance business in the city and would be detrimental to the area's appearance.

But Coun Prodger, a member of the Tory group on Worcester City Council, said while he was pleased the Asda appeal was rejected, it did not mean all retail business were inappropriate for the site.

"I am not suggesting everything that sells a packet of crisps should be dismissed," he said.

"While we would not welcome a supermarket, we would like to see something like a delicatessen, caf or retailers which would complement existing businesses in the city centre.

"The site should be comprehensively developed in a way which is more in keeping with the historic look of the area and provide necessary facilities for people who live and work nearby."

Chris Harvey, from the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire & Worcestershire, agreed the site should be developed to support existing businesses in the city centre.

He added the chamber had advised the council about different proposals for the site, including the Asda application.

"We have been looking at the proposals for retail development in Worcester with the city council," he said.

"We feel any development which takes place in the city should be to strengthen the retailing heart of Worcester, which although is very good, could still get better."