A BUILDING which housed a community shop created during the Covid-19 lockdown could be returned to use as a home, if plans are approved.

A planning application has been submitted to Somerset Council for permission to change the use of an extension to 54 Brent Street, in Brent Knoll, to residential.

The extension – adjoining a three-bed home – was formerly used to house Brent Knoll Post Office and village shop, until postal facilities closed in October 2019, followed by the shop in March 2020.

Then, in April 2020, the premises were taken over by a community group during the Covid-19 lockdown, providing essentials to villagers.

Thriving business prompted the group to search for a permanent home, which is currently being built nearby.

Now, the owner of the property is seeking permission to return the extension to residential use.

The application said: “The proposal is to convert the application site into a one-bedroom annexe to the main house.

“The annexe will be connected to the house by the existing door. The existing arrangement of two doors that lead on to the forecourt will also be maintained.”

A previous application for the change of use was refused, as it would have resulted “in the loss of the last remaining shop facility in the village of Brent Knoll”.

However, the application argues this is no longer an issue, as the shop has found alternative premises.

“The former use of the site as a village shop is no longer required in this location, as the day-to-day needs of the community are now being met elsewhere,” it added.

For more details, and to comment on the plans, log on to somerset.gov.uk and search application reference 07/24/00015.