A FORMER bank building that closed in 2015 can now be turned into two shops following the approval of plans.
The vacant building at the corner of Cheap Street and Long Street, number 87, previously housed HSBC and it is now set to see a new lease of life after permission was granted to subdivide it to create two new shop fronts.
The subdivide line would align with what would have been the original split between the two buildings before the ground floor was amalgamated.
New studwork partition walls will be installed to create the subdivision between the two units and no existing walls are to be demolished.
The plans also include the creation of a new shop front at 89 Cheap Street, formerly an Oxfam shop and a takeaway.
Minimal alterations to the exterior of both buildings have been proposed.
READ MORE: Plans submitted to turn last remaining pub in Dorset hamlet into houses
READ MORE: Police to close front counters in Sherborne and Gillingham
Spruce Town Planning, who put together the plans on behalf of applicant JKL Enterprises, said: “The proposals will bring back into use an existing commercial property, with the potential to benefit the local economy through employment and attracting visitors to the area.
The building at 89 Cheap Street Picture: Google
“The subdivision of the unit will add to the range of commercial uses within the town, providing greater choice to visitors and reinforcing the vitality of the town centre.”
They added: “The proposals will make an efficient use of the existing building and will help to safeguard the future of two listed buildings.”
Sherborne Town Council supported the application, but wanted assurances that the historic medieval door will be protected.
Previous plans to convert the former bank building into a restaurant/café were approved in both 2019 and 2022 – but neither permission was fully implemented.
To view the plans and decision notice in full, visit the planning section on Dorset Council’s website and search reference P/FUL/2025/04126.
Click here for more planning news from your New Blackmore Vale.
Leave a Reply