PLANS to create a flat above a shop in Wellington have been backed by local councillors.

An application has been submitted to Taunton Deane Borough Council by Frederick Sandow to turn the upstairs of 5-7 South Street into a flat.

The property has been recently acquired by Frederick and Joanna Sandow, who have moved their retail business, fashion store Sporting Duchess, from the High Street to the premises and want to turn the first floor offices back to residential accommodation.

Members of Wellington Town Council’s planning committee unanimously agreed to support the listed building consent application for the flat to be created.

“We will always support bringing residential use in above shops in the town centre,” said Cllr John Thorne.

The premises in South Street have been empty for about two years following the closure of the Co-operative bank.

Taunton Deane Borough Council will make a final decision on the listed building consent application.