THE former home of a high street business has been earmarked for accommodation.

Embroidery and printing shop Stitch Print left its former premises in Southminster’s high street and moved to the Old Salt Loft in Burnham in 2019.

The ground-floor of the building has remained vacant.

Plans have now been submitted to Maldon District Council to change it from business use into a one-bedroom, ground-floor flat.

So far, there has been one objection to the plans.

A member of the public said: “As the photograph of the property included with the application covering letter shows, the area is predominantly retail use.

“There is ongoing loss of infrastructure in Southminster even as the amount of housing continues to increase.

“Any further loss of available retail premises will not help this matter.

“There is enough housing already built or being built. We need infrastructure.”

The district council is expected to make a decision on the planning application by March 17.