A FORMER bank building in Sherborne could soon house a shop and tourist accommodation.

A planning application for 50 Cheap Street – formerly NatWest bank – has been submitted to Dorset Council proposing a number of changes to the interior of the building.

It would see four spaces ‘for tourism use’ on the first and second floors, with the layout of the ground floor altered to create a retail premises.

Part of the application – for the retail space and to alter the doorway and frontage – have previously been approved.

The fresh proposals would see four units created for use by tourists on the first and second floors, with a roof terrace created.

The application said work had already begun on the changes.

“Work is already being carried out to implement the alterations granted,” it said.

“Reconfiguration of the first floor to create the tourist accommodation principally involves the removal of modern stud partitions and the suspended ceiling,” it adds.

“The original fireplace has been exposed and will become part of bedroom two.

“A new staircase will be introduced to serve the proposed accommodation on the second floor.

“The second floor has a new roof and all internal historic interest of the original roof structure has been lost.

“To create a viable use for the building, it is proposed to also convert the roof space to one suite of tourist accommodation comprising bedroom, ensuite bathroom and living room.”

The plan has received some opposition from residents, particlarly concerning a proposed roof terrace on the site.

One resident wrote in their objection: “The proposal for a roof terrace … would allow direct views into the office space of 1 Abbey Road and overlook adjoining roof terraces enjoyed by neighbours.”

Another said: “I really don’t know why it was decided to convert the property into holiday lets rather than flats, where long-term residents live.

“I really don’t understand the logic here.”

For full details, and to comment on the application, log on to www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk and search for reference P/FUL/2022/06117.