COMPANIES operating at a new business unit in Evesham will be able to work for longer hours after plans to extend the opening times were given the go ahead.

Evesham Trade Centre in St Richards Road, Evesham, will consist of eight small units with car parking, and operators hope it will be a site for small businesses.

Julian Meredith, director of the applicants Chase Commercial Ltd, said when the units first achieved approval back in 2010 the operating times, between 6am and 6pm from Monday to Friday and 8am until 1pm on Saturdays were extended.

But the approval lapsed after the development didn't take place. Now it has achieved approval once again the company hoped to also see the hours once again extended to allow operating until 8pm on weekdays, from 8am until 5pm on Saturdays and between 9am and 1pm on Sundays.

"The proposed accommodation, when it's built, it's likely that small start up business will require the opportunity to work at varied hours to allow growth."

There was some opposition to the plans and councillor Andrew Dyke said he had spoken to the young families living locally who had concerns about the level of noise from the site.

Cllr Reg Jakeman added: "The properties are much too close, if I was living there I would object very strongly."

But Cllr Judy Pearce said she could understand start up businesses needing to work seven days a week and the committee at Wychavon District Council approved the plans.