ANOTHER High East Street property in Dorchester could be converted to flats.

An application for nine flats  has been submitted to Dorset Council to convert the building over and to the rear of the bed shop at No’ 24, including an old warehouse.

The shop would continue trading under the proposals and the front of the building would remain much as it now is.

The site lies immediately next door to a similar site, also running from High East Street to Durngate Street, which is currently being considered by planners for 14 flats.

Both buildings are within the town conservation area and both are listed for their architectural importance to the street scene.

The new application, from Ferriby Land, includes the partial demolition of some of the internal walls of the listed building which dates from the 1820 to 1840. It says that the existing shop is still in use and will remain trading although it may be reduced slightly in size from 280 square metres to 268 square metres.

The proposal is for 4 one-bed flats and 5 two-bed, all for open market use. The site currently has one seven-bed home to the rear within a former warehouse.

A report for planners, by AC Archaeology Ltd, says the listed building and 19th century warehouse to the rear have been substantially altered over the last century which has diminished the significance of the buildings. It says few of the original features remain inside and the accommodation over the shop was upgraded in the 1970s with later changes which includes UPVC windows.

The shop was previously Peter Mardon’s pet and garden centre and has been occupied by Beds are Uzzz for over 20 years. It is the intention for them to remain as ground floor tenants.

The developers say the changes will not only offer much needed town centre accommodation but will also enhance and upgrade the existing buildings.

A decision on the application is listed to be made by a planning officer, without the need to go before a committee of councillors, but may go before a committee if local councillors make the request.

Comments on the proposals remain open until February 11.