The City of Ely Council has expressed its disappointment at plans to convert a former soft furnishings business into a house.

In March, David and Margaret Gibbs, owners of D Gibbs and Son, announced their retirement after more than 40 years of trading in their St Mary’s Street shop, in Ely.

Now, a planning application has been submitted to change the use of the former shop to residential.

In consultation with planning officials, the City of Ely Council said: “The council has no concerns regarding this application but were very disappointed that there would be the loss of this shop.”

Under the plans, an inglenook fireplace is to be renovated, a ceiling dating from the 1960s is to be re-plastered and a set of beams are to be uncovered.

Conservation officer Lorraine Brown said the proposed change would “have no impact on the character of appearance of the building or its fabric.”

A decision on the plans is expected within the next eight weeks. To view the plans, or to have a say, visit www.eastcambs.gov.uk