Rear extensions and internal changes have been agreed for two Dorchester South Street shops.

Dorset Council has approved the two storey extensions and internal alterations for 52 and 52A.

The changes will almost double the available internal space at the existing phone shop and adjoining former shoe shop.

The Taunton-based company which owns the site says the changes will add around 210 square metres to the combined buildings and allow for a better open-plan layout.

The proposal allows for the removal of the projecting gable extensions and adding a new flat roof parapet structure on the outside with internal works to include moving the existing staircase to the rear.

Said an agent's letter to Dorset Council: "The building at ground floor level has come to a point in its life whereby shops are looking for more open plan floor layouts.

"The proposal enhances the building and the needs of potential shop tenants."