There are hopes for new employment in Shipton Bellinger after plans were submitted to allow the opening of a new antiques saleroom.

Diana Butchers submitted the plans to Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) last month, with plans to convert the current rental car storage unit at the Delta Works on Salisbury Road into a new saleroom for collectibles in the village lying on the border of Hampshire and Wiltshire.

In a statement submitted to the council, she said: “The change of use will bring a different client base into the community and may provide opportunities to the community as a whole,” adding that the new venture would be “more likely, we feel, to provide local employment” in the area.

The plans were submitted in June, with plans to convert Unit 2A of the Delta Works area into an antiques and collectibles saleroom. At present, the site is vacant following the previous tenants having left.

Under the plans, the 300 square metre unit will be converted into a saleroom from its current use, which can be as offices, light industrial processes and distribution. Ms Butchers also hopes to sell drinks and light snacks as part of the venture at the site, which already contains a number of antiques businesses.

She states in planning documents that the business will not affect local planning policies, as it will not be converted into residential use, and will not require additional infrastructure.

“In particular,” she said, “the existing road traffic will not be increased compared with the current use of the site, access for cars is sufficient as already available.”

So far, no objections have been received to the plans, which are currently being considered by TVBC planning officers, who will decide on the outcome of the application in due course. If you would like to have your say, then search TVBC’s planning portal with the reference: 21/01731/FULLN