A FORMER car sales garage in North Somerset could be set to become a new shop.

Plans submitted to North Somerset Council seek permission to demolish part of the former Winscombe Cars garage on Woodborough Road, as the applicant has applied for a change of use to retail usage.

It is proposed that the existing access to the site would be retained, and used as access to a car park for the shop, containing 16 parking spaces.

This would include three disabled bays, and ten bays which would either feature EV charging or be EV charging ready.

In addition to this, a minimum of four bicycle spaces would be provided.

The proposed use of the premises is not clear, and the applicant confirms that 'there is no definite operator for the proposed change of use'.

However, the application does refer to the Co-operative convenience store which is located directly opposite the premises, and has been forced to close indefinitely due to structural issues.

There is a possibility that the Co-op could move into the former Winscombe Cars premises - according to the planning statement - but it is also thought that another supermarket franchise may be interested.

The plans also outline a dedicated area for 12m rigid delivery trucks, with sufficient space in the parking area for said vehicles to arrive and leave in a forward gear.

The external footprint of the premises totals 408 square-metres, and is comprised of a 261 square-metre shop floor sales area, and 122.5 square-metres of rear storage.

With regards to potential demolition, the applicant hopes to only remove 'unsightly' parts of the building which has fallen under disuse.

"The current site is unsightly due to it being run down and underutilised," the planning statement reads.

"The current proposal would see the less visually desirable elements of the existing building being demolished, with the remainder of the existing building improved with new cladding materials.

"These changes should be acceptable in terms of materials and design."

For more information on the plans, search reference 24/P/1029/FUL on North Somerset Council's online planning portal.