PLANS to convert the Wimborne Sturtons and Tappers store into a mix of residential and commercial space have been submitted.

An application to demolish extensions behind the building to make way for the development of the East Street building has been put forward to Dorset Council.

If approved, it would see the shop divided into three retail units with the first and second floors converted into eight one and two-bedroom flats.

A statement submitted with the planning application says that the change would “improve the marketability” of the building and was a response to market demand.

“The proposal presents a sustainable form of development, contributing to the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of East Dorset,” it says.

The scheme follows last year’s approval by East Dorset District Council for the construction of seven homes on land directly behind the shop.

The latest application will be considered by Dorset Council planning officers in the coming weeks.