PLANNING chiefs are being urged to approve a proposal that aims to save the only shop in an “isolated” Hampshire village.

The New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) had received an application to increase the amount of floorspace at the business in East Boldre, where only 9% of the population own a car.

More than 50 people have written to the NPA to voice their support for the proposal.

One resident says: “The East Boldre shop/post office is vital in knitting the community together and providing facilities in a slightly isolated location.”

From March next year the business will be operated by a not-for profit organisation run by villagers.

A planning statement that accompanies the application says: “For six out of the last eight years the business has declared a loss.

“The main problem is that the shop has a very limited amount of floorspace.

“In order to make the shop and post office viable the new owners need to increase turnover by at least 27%. This can be best achieved by increasing the floorspace and the amount of produce on offer.”

Villagers are aiming to create extra retail space by converting part of a ground floor area currently used as living quarters.

If the scheme is given the go-ahead the number of parking spaces outside the shop will remain unchanged. The road has unrestricted parking but customers will be encouraged to walk or cycle to the premises.

The statement says: “We need to improve it to prevent its loss through lack of viability.

“It is of clear and direct benefit to residents of East Boldre, so much so that the village has set up a not-for profit society to take it on.

“It is of particular benefit to those without a car and East Boldre has a surprisingly low level of car ownership - 9% of households have no vehicle.”

The application has been submitted by East Boldre Community Stores Ltd.

Scores of people have sent letters of support to the NPA. They include Lord Montagu’s sister, the Hon Mary Montagu-Scott, and Lord Strathcarron, who describes the shop and post office as an essential part of the community.

Another local says the only other shops in the area are more than five miles away.