Beaminster shop to expand ahead of increase in local housing
Hogshill Stores wants to make changes to cope
An extension has been agreed at a Beaminster convenience store, to help it cope with 120 extra new homes for the area.
Dorset Council has approved a planning application for the Hogshill Stores on Clay Lane to make internal and external changes to the listed building.
It will allow the business to expand the shop by 30 square metres to the east with a single storey building.
The extension will infill the remaining yard area which is no longer needed for storage.
Ward councillor for the area, Cllr Rebecca Knox, said she 'wholeheartedly' supported the changes.
The idea got support from local residents too - one said:
"A larger shop will only benefit the present local community and any further properties built nearby. The present owners run an efficient and very helpful service to the local area and work extremely hard to fulfil any requests.”
Beaminster Town Council also wrote to say it supported the changes.
A statement was given 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".