A FAMILY-run butchers and grocery store in Bishops Lydeard was no longer viable, planning officers have been told.

Chris Trott now wants to convert the premises in West Street into a one-bedroom flat with en suite facilities while keeping the traditional shop frontage.

He has applied to Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) for change of use planning permission.

Planning consultant Darren Addicott said it was the result of the impact of Covid resulting in more online deliveries plus competition from other businesses.

Mr Addicott said Bishops Lydeard also had a Co-op supermarket and a newspaper shop in Church Road, a farm shop on the Broadgauge business park, and Mount Street Garage, all of which sold goods in competition with Mr Trott.

He said Mr Trott had been marketing his business for sale for two years without success and now the time had come to opt for residential development which would help to meet the demand for affordable housing in the village.

Public comments on the planning application can be made until August 5 and SWT has a target date of August 30 to determine it.