ANOTHER West Somerset village looks set to lose its Post Office and shop with plans put forward to convert it to a house.

Kilve Post Office owners Matt and Charlotte Hirst want to give up trading after 17 years because it is no longer viable but do not want to leave the village.

The couple have advertised the business for sale for the past 13 months through Christie and Co at £645,000 but have had no takers.

Now, they are asking Somerset Council for planning permission to convert Kilve Stores premises to a living room and dining room for use with the existing five-bedroom owner’s accommodation.

Matt and Charlotte Hirst at Kilve Stores
Matt and Charlotte Hirst when they decided to put Kilve Stores up for sale last year. PHOTO: George Ody.

Planning agent Adam Elston, of Architectural Studio SW Ltd, said: “The applicants wish to cease trading at this location but do not wish to relocate.

“The retail shop business is no longer a financially viable option, and they are looking to explore other avenues.

“Due to the increase in car travel and cost savings from buying from larger supermarkets, the convenience store is no longer an essential part of the village.

“Over the years the applicants have experienced a significant drop in sales making the business no longer viable.”

Mr and Mrs Hirst took over the business in 2007 when they said there were empty shelves and it was ‘on the brink of bankruptcy and closure’ with the Post Office ‘hanging by a thread’.

Last year when deciding to put it up for sale they issued a ‘use it or lose it’ plea to villagers.

Mr Elston said the end of terrace property on the corner of Main Road and Sea Lane was a residential dwelling in 1955 and was only changed to a convenience store in the 1960s.

He said only minor alterations were needed for the conversion of the retail areas to residential.

Mr Elston said: “The existing convenience store business is no longer viable in this location and does not generate a sufficient turnover to keep the business profitable.

A view inside Kilve Stores, which may be converted to residential use.
A view inside Kilve Stores, which may be converted to residential use. PHOTO: Architectural Studio SW Ltd. ( )

“The owners have advertised the property as a going concern for over a year and no interested parties have come forward.

“The conversion of the shop is relatively straightforward.

“The main retail areas would be converted into a living room and dining room with a central hallway accessed off the main entrance door.

“The rear office area would be removed, and the rear store would be changed to a WC and utility.

Kilve's village shop and Post Office used to be a residential property in the 1950s.
Kilve's village shop and Post Office used to be a residential property in the 1950s. PHOTO: Architectural Studio SW Ltd. ( )

Externally, the existing exit door would be changed to a window and all signage would be removed.

“The existing parking area to the front of the site can accommodate four vehicles which is suitable for a five-bedroom dwelling.

“To the rear of the site is a large garden area that is sufficient for bike and bin storage.”

Mr Elston said the only real outcome for the property was to reinstate the building to the full residential dwelling it was in the 1950s.

He said: “This application would allow the applicants to explore other avenues and remain living at the property as a residential family dwelling.”