A BUTCHERS cum grocery store in a village near Taunton looks set to close as the owner says "the business no longer remains viable".

The owner has applied for change of use planning permission to turn the Chris Trott Family Butcher shop in West Street, Bishops Lydeard into a flat.

They blame the turn down in trade on the Covid pandemic, increased online shopping and competition from supermarkets and farm shops.

A statement lodged with planners at Somerset West and Taunton Council on the owner's behalf says: "The applicant has operated a small butchers/grocery store from the premises for several years.

"However, due to the impacts of Covid resulting in more online deliveries and competition from supermarkets and other farm shops the business no longer remains financially viable."

The proposal, which will be considered in due course involves creating a one-bedroom flat on the ground floor of the building.

There would also be an off-street parking space and bicycle store, as well as an outdoor amenity for future residents.

The application states that the property has been on the market for two years.