DISTRICT councillors expressed concerns that Stroud is in danger of providing too little for shoppers.

Permission was granted at the council's development control committee last Tuesday, Tuesday, for an estate agent to open at 26 Kendrick Street.

The building is currently occupied by the Cotswold Care Hospice charity shop, which hopes to move into new premises by Christmas.

While making his objections known Cllr John Marjoram (Green, Trinity), a member of the committee, alluded to the high number of take-aways, pubs, bookmakers and coffee shops in the town, adding there was not enough for shoppers.

Referring to the shop's new use he said: "That will in no way increase the footfall of Stroud.

"I think the whole area there should be retained for retail.

"We are doing very well on markets but failing abysmally on things like decent shopping."

Cllr Sue Fellows (Con, Chalford) added her thoughts on the change of use: "I think it is very detrimental to the retention of primary shopping areas.

"It's another nail in Stroud's coffin."

SDC Planning officer, Darryl Rogers, said the application was compliant with the district's local plan.