THE fields proposed for the new Worcester football stadium will be developed for employment purposes if the team's current bid fails.

The owners of the Nunnery Way site, G A Newell and Son, confirmed that if planning permission for the stadium and B&Q store were turned down, all ground proposals would be scrapped.

City councillors are set to consider the informal applications at a range of meetings, starting at a planning meeting on Thursday.

But if the club's plans are rejected, a property consultant representing the landowners confirmed the door could be left open for industrial expansion.

"The city shouldn't miss this opportunity. If retail development isn't permitted on the site then the proposed stadium won't be built," said Bill Ferguson.

"Reluctantly we'll have to consider industrial development as identified in the Chesterton report commissioned by the council."

The Newell family, who have owned the land for more than 30 years, asked international real estate agents Healey & Baker to look at all the alternatives for the site.

They concluded that, although some grant aid would be available, there was not enough finance to cover new stadium costs.

And unless they could generate high value from the rest of the site, which could only be matched by a retail development, the football club's aims would not be financially viable.

"Over the last 12 years we have, along with other interested parties, looked at various forms of development to try to make the stadium scheme function.

But nothing else has thrown up sufficient value to make it possible to build a modern sports facility," said Mr Newell.

"This site is the property of a local family who regard Worcester as our local town and Worcester City as our local football team.

"We'd be delighted to see the club's long-held hopes and plans come to fruition for the benefit of Worcester people."

The Newell family have had a dairy herd in Worcester since 1988, but the recent farming crisis has prompted them to consider a change of direction.

"We've now reluctantly come to the conclusion that to prolong these discussions would be unlikely to further the progress of the project," said Mr Newell.

The football club, B&Q, Mr Ferguson and Healey & Baker have all been working closely with architects to prepare a scheme to meet the objectives of the club and the DIY giants.

Their aim is to create a "gateway development" for city visitors.