PLANS have been submitted to turn a former garage into two shops in Dursley.
A planning application has been submitted by letting agency B Walker & Co to Stroud District Council to transform the old Dursley Garage, which had been trading for more than 60 years until it shut in the summer.
According to the plans, the Kingshill garage, which closed in July, would be converted into two separate retail units.
Former owner Howard Steele retired from the Dursley Garage in July after an incredible 65 years of service.
Proposals include dividing the workshop into two shops, each with its own retail space, storage area, toilet and kitchen.
Under the plans, each shop would also have their own staircase leading to another new retail area upstairs.
If approved, it is believed six new full-time jobs would be created.
The application for a change of use was submitted on Wednesday, November 15.
Tony Davey, chair of Stroud and District Chamber of Trade, said: "All too often, across the Stroud District, we see buildings stay empty with little hope of reuse.
"When plans like this one in Kingshill Road are submitted, that both secure new jobs for the area and regenerate existing sites through investment, it is a very positive sign."
A council document from the application reads: "The property is now vacant and the owners wish to re-develop it.
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READ MORE: End of an era as Dursley Garage closes
"Having given some consideration to the future of the site, the applicant would like to retain the existing structure and put it into a new use that will benefit the town, providing employment and additional retail space.
"The building is now of some age and would benefit from some investment.
"The building forms part of a rank that sits on a prominent approach to the town and re-development of this site would contribute to improving the appearance of this entrance into Dursley.
This site has been in commercial use historically and although a proposal was put forward in recent times for housing on the site, the applicant would like to see the site maintain a commercial use providing employment opportunities.
"There has been no interest in any car workshop re-use.
"There is no demand for office accommodation within the town, but interest has been expressed for retail space and we feel the site is well related enough to the centre to provide this.
"It is also well located in terms of passing trade."
You can view or comment on the application by quoting reference S.23/1926/FUL or see here - tinyurl.com/232392py
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