One of Kendal's oldest family businesses has been given a month to come up with a more detailed proposal if it wishes to press ahead with plans to relocate.

As previously reported, Webbs Garden Centre has unveiled plans to quit its 200-year-old home and build new £2 million premises elsewhere in the town, creating six extra jobs.

But concerned planners have asked for information about affordable housing provision in the plan along with details about where Webbs intended to relocate.

A report to South Lakeland District Council said the centre wanted to secure a more high-profile site to combat competition from major retail garden centres attached to supermarkets and DIY stores.

To fund the move, the owners of Webbs Garden Centre say their Burneside Road site will have to be sold to a housing developer.

But this week South Lakeland District Council's planning committee deferred an outline planning application for residential development on the site.

Planning experts have warned that Webbs' development scheme is likely to run into difficulties because the town already has more than enough new houses to fulfil its quota until 2006.

Coun Bob Bolton said local people needed affordable homes in Kendal.

"I think the scheme has to have some degree of that and I am talking a large percentage," he said.

Webbs employee of 15-years Kath Dickinson told planners she had come to plead for her job and for the future of the long established business.

She said management had "worked their butts off" to improve the business over the years and added: "I hope you will look favourably on us.

If this is refused, it would be the death knell for Webbs... I am sorry if I get emotional but I think the world about the place and I would do anything for it."

Bill Stocker, who is a director of the firm and runs the business with his wife, managing director Judith Webb, said he wanted to expand and invest in the town, to serve its people and to attract tourists.

Local residents have sent 18 letters objecting to the plan to SLDC but Mr Stocker said he wanted to work with neighbours to ensure the Burneside Road plans were acceptable.