A FAMILY business is set to expand after it was given the go ahead to build a new unit on its Vale village site.

Marshalls Transport (Evesham) Ltd applied to erect an industrial building on its site at Pershore Airfield, Long Lane, Throckmorton, to allow the owners to grow the haulage and transport firm.

Speaking in support of the plans George Simpson, director of Marshalls, said they wanted to expand the family run business.

"Our family business has been successful," he said. "We now urgently need additional storage facilities to meet the needs of out customers.

"This building will allow us to expand and provide a further ten jobs."

The application met with some objection at Wychavon District Council's planning committee with local councillor Liz Tucker saying she was concerned about the future use of the building.

She said: "I am disturbed at the size of this enormous building that is proposed. It's set out as growth need for the business but it is stated that it could be potentially used for other needs or other businesses. I don't believe we have the evidence to show that it's actually needed."

Her fears were supported by other councillors but planning officer Neil Pearce reassured the committee that a number of conditions were in place to stop a "worst case scenario" of an increase in HGVs or cars coming to the site.

Cllr Reg Jakeman proposed approval of the plans, saying: "It will make Marshalls Transport more effective and provide employment."