Plans to turn part of a ‘dilapidated’ and currently unoccupied office block into a pet store and veterinary surgery in Christchurch, Dorset, have been submitted to the local council.

In the Christchurch Borough Council planning statement, it states that the application proposes the alteration and change of use of the ground floor of the building to create a retail unit with associated vetinary surgery. The retail unit is intended to be operated as a pet shop.

The site has been chosen for the store because of its prominent location on Somerford Road and because it is large enough to accommodate the store and its associated infrastructure needs.

A total of twelve car parking spaces will be provided for the proposed store, and pedestrian access will be available from Somerford Road.

The store will be similar to other pet shops found in the local area, examples of which can seen at the Wessex Gate Retail Park, Castle Lane West and at Christchurch Retail Park. The site is an ideal location for the proposed store because of the density of residential development nearby, creating a strong potential customer base.

The format and size of the store will mean that it is able to stock a wider range of goods than might be found in smaller and more traditional high street based pet shops. Items sold may include small pets, pet foods, grooming equipment and associated items.

The retailer has not been revealed in the plans, but the applicant listed is Bestminster Ltd, based in New Milton.