PLANS have been submitted to remove internal and external banking related fittings after it was announced NatWest would be closing in Wimborne.

The Wimborne NatWest branch is set to close in April this year, a spokesperson saying most customers are “shifting to mobile and online banking”.

And now The Royal Bank of Scotland has applied to Dorset Council to remove the bank-related fittings.

A design and access statement submitted with the application said: “The proposed development seeks permission to remove the existing internal and external banking related fixtures at the property in order to prepare the building for occupation by an alternate occupier.

“The distinctive style of and prominent location of the building contributes positively to the street scene and the surrounding conservation area.

“It is an important building that adds to the quality of the street scape and reflects the heritage of the town.

“The proposed development would have a minimal impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding Wimborne Minster Conservation area.

“There will be minimal change to the fabric or appearance of the building, and its historic character will be retained. The appearance of the building from the street scene would remain largely as existing.”

The statement added the removal of the signage, ATM and nightsafe would “return several elements of the façade back to their original appearance.

It added the area where the ATM, signage and nightsafe are would be infilled by a qualified stonemason using “specially matched stone”.

Inside the bank, the counter will be removed which would “positively enhance the internal appearance of the building”.

The statement continued: “The proposed removal of the banking related fittings would not impact the significance of the building.

“These items are modern in nature. All historic features would remain in situ, so as to ensure the significance and history of the building can continue to be appreciated.

“The proposals are necessary to ensure that the building presents an attractive proposition for re-use by an alternate occupier.

“The removal of these items aims to ensure that the building is increasingly viable and thus aim to reduce the amount of time that the building is vacant.”

It was announced in November the NatWest branch in Wimborne would close its doors for good.

When it closes on April 6, customers’ nearest branch will be around four miles away in Lower Blandford Road, Broadstone.

The company reported between 2017 and 2019, counter transactions for personal customers in the Wimborne branch decreased by 24 per cent.

The branch was used by 30 personal customers on a regular basis in 2019. In the same year, 59 per cent of personal customers using the branch also chose to use digital banking.