A former Bonmarche store left empty when the business went bust could be converted into six self-contained flats.

The new owners of the shop at 41-43 Sheerness High Street have applied to Swale council for permission to knock the shop floor into two smaller units and to convert the rest of the space and the two storeys upstairs into half a dozen apartments.

The application by Go Estates says this will ensure the full High Street retail frontage is maintained.

It adds: "Modern retailers look to reduce excess space in their units which in turn reduces running costs and overheads.

"We believe, therefore, that this proposal will have a positive impact on the conservation area by making the retail unit, which has been vacant for over six months, more attractive to tenants, thereby bringing it back into use."

The shop also backs onto Russell Street.

Phil Crowder, who chairs the Sheerness Town Team, welcomed the plans.

He said: "I have no objection to converting the upstairs into flats as the town needs more accommodation. And splitting the shop into two makes sense as it will make it more attractive to businesses. In fact, I'd have been happier if it was being split into three or four units to make it easier for start-ups."

The woman's fashion shop, which had valiantly battled against Covid restrictions and the national financial problems of its parent company the Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group since October 2020, was finally stripped of its stock and closed for good in April 2021.

All that was left, were a few ghostly-looking mannequins stashed at the back of the store but still in view of shoppers.

The premises were put up for sale for £400,000 and eventually went under the hammer at a Clive Emson auction in March for £337,750.

Plans include a studio flat and bike store on the ground floor, a second flat on the lower first floor, three flats on the first floor and a sixth flat on the second floor.

The ground floor shop would be converted into two units of 113 square metres and 82 square metres.