PLANS to convert the former Post Office of a north Dorset village into a two-bedroom flat have been approved.

Closed since 2013, the Child Okeford shop has been left empty ever since with Post Office services being taken on by The Cross Stores.

In March, Rose Playden submitted plans to the now-abolished North Dorset District Council to convert it into a flat mirroring the one on the upper floor.

The application includes the conversion of the shop front to match neighbouring homes.

The proposal was approved by Dorset Council planning officer Katrina Trevett on Thursday.

In a report she said: “The building has been marketed for years with no interest in taking on the premises.

“The community facility will not be lost, just re-sited and there has been no realistic interest in taking it on for the village to continue its use.”