PLANS have been submitted to expand a convenience store's space and improve accessibility for wheelchair users.

A planning application has been sent in by Susantha Fernando, of S&C Food & Wine, on Mill Lane, Sutton Leach.

Plans seek to enable the shop to use more of the ground floor space and to make alterations to the existing shop front entrance and create a single-storey rear extension.

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A design and access statement in the plans, drawn up by Lawrenson Associates, says that currently customers "must navigate an internal step to gain access the counter/till".

The proposed alterations will "allow the counter/till to be re-positioned closer to the front of the shop, so that wheelchair users, etc can be more readily served".

It is also proposed to make minor alterations to widen the existing ramp at the front of the shop. 

Plans add: "Historically the shop owner was also the occupant of the flat, however, this is no longer the case and the first floor flat is rented out separately from the shop".

The existing kitchen is to be relocated from the ground floor to "within the first floor flat and a new staircase will be provided eliminating the need for the corridor and separating the shop and flat".

It adds: "The space freed up by the kitchen and corridor will be incorporated into the shop, to create extra shop floor space, an office and a larger/improved staff WC.

"The shop will also be extended to the rear at ground floor level only, to create additional shop floor space and a stock room". 

Plans conclude: "The applicant considers that the proposed development will provide a good example in the re-use of previously developed land/buildings, and contribute towards the borough’s retail facilities without harming local residential amenity or highway safety.

"Care has been taken to ensure this development reflects its position in the locality, along with the existing residential properties nearby and does not negatively impact the flat occupants."

A decision on the application is expected by council planners by September 11.