A VILLAGE store is one step closer to being turned into accommodation.

As previously reported, the Brambridge Shop is no longer open to the public and plans have been submitted to turn it into a single dwelling.

Now, Colden Common Parish Council has decided not to object to the proposals.

A spokesperson said: "After much debate, the council had noted that the use of the shop had continued to wane over recent years.

"The village had not benefited from a local employment opportunity from this shop in over 10 years (other than delivery of newspapers). The shop suffers from a lack of parking, and lacks facilities that are offered in the larger store in the village."

They added: "In living memory, the premises has always been a shop of a variable nature, but the council recognised that viability of such premises was a concern given the other facility boasts a large carpark, variety of stock given its comparable size, a post office, bakery, coffee machine and cash machine.

"In addition to its facilities, it is physically located next to key amenities in the village with a high footfall such as the doctors surgery, community centre, take away, play area, preschools and primary school."

The shop had been advertised for more than 18 months, but noone had registered an interest to continue with the current use.

"As the village has the benefit of an alternative shop situated in the centre of the village for local employment and amenity, whilst not openly supporting the application, it was resolved not to object to the change of use proposed," the spokesperson concluded.