Local councillors have been asked to approve plans that would turn a former museum into a new pet shop.

Forest Pet Supplies Ltd has submitted a planning application to New Forest District Council to change the old Ringwood Town and Country Experience unit at Gouldings Farm, in Hampshire, into a pet shop.

The company claims it would make “sustainable use of an otherwise derelict unit”.

Its plans are said to be “small scale within the existing building” and would involve no external alterations or ground works.

In its application, the company states: “The proposed change of use would create an additional benefit to local residents by providing a service to meet the needs of local livestock and pets.

“By bringing it back into use, the proposal would create an additional retail offer to local residents and help to grow a small-scale rural enterprise in keeping with the character and appearance of the street scene and surrounding area.”

Picture: Google maps.