AN empty former shop unit on a busy street in a Cheshire village is set for a new lease of life.

Plans have been submitted to Warrington Borough Council seeking permission for a change of use of the building.

Applicant David Thrussell, of Folde Properties Ltd, wishes to turn the premises, number 112 London Road, Stockton Heath,  from a shop to a licensed premises.

Although vague, plans state that the new licenced premises would create two full-time jobs and be used for the sale of food and drink for consumption, mostly on the premises.

“The existing building is a shop, but it has not been in use for several months,” documents say.

“The applicant wishes to apply for planning permission to change the use to a licensed premises.

“As per the plans, there will not be any extension to the building or change to the shop front.”

The shop was formerly used by Pip Squeak and Wilfred, which offered children’s clothing, toys and gifts, as well as children’s fitted shoes.

It opened in March last year, and before then the building was the home of a women's clothes shop.

But the shoe shop announced it was to close in May due to increasing overheads and the cost of living crisis.

The business thanked its customers for their patience, understanding and loyalty.

The plans are with the council and will be decided on in due course.