Changes are planned for Hogshill Stores at Clay Lane, Beaminster to cope with 120 extra new homes for the area.

A planning application has been opened for public comment this week as the business seeks to make internal and external changes to the premises, a listed building.

Most of the changes, if approved, will be to extend the shop by 30 square metres to the east with a single storey building.

The extension will take the building to the eastern boundary, filling in the remaining yard area which is no longer needed for storage.

Said a statement from a planning agent to Dorset Council on behalf of the stores: “The business provides a valuable local service to the community and is anticipating an increase in demand for their services with the expected 120 new homes which are due to be constructed in the area. This modest extension will provide and greatly improved circulation space in the shop and will help to cope with the extra footfall expected…

“The resultant increase will allow the expansion of the current employees from 7 to 9 full time members, with 2 part time staff. This will allow the business to maintain the high standard of customer service enjoyed at present, which includes home delivery for elderly or sick customers when needed,” said the statement.

Papers with the application to Dorset Council say that the extension will be finished in similar materials to the existing with the walls in natural stone and render and the roof tiles similar to the existing clay tiles, although made from glass reinforced plastic.

Public comments on the application, ref 2022/04941, can be made until September 10. A decision is expected to be made by a planning case officer rather than go before a committee of councillors.