An historic village in East Hampshire could soon have its own community-run shop.

Excitement is growing in Selborne as proposals for a single-storey village shop have been served up to planners.

A wooden-clad building with a “farm shop” feel and tiled roof has been proposed for a patch next to Plum Fell Lane offered by a supportive landowner.

And the community benefit society which would run the store believe it’s the perfect site, close to the Selborne Arms, Zig Zag Trail and car park in the heart of the village.

The aim of Selborne Stores Ltd is to provide a not-for-profit community-run shop like the one in nearby Ropley with proceeds being ploughed back into the village.

Just under 200 people completed a questionnaire with most showing overwhelming support for the scheme.

Selborne has been without a village shop for nearly five years with the former unit on the High Street proving “financially unviable to buy or rent” according to the SSL, with other premises being considered and exhausted.

“Selborne has been without a fully functioning shop for more than five years,” said Andy Martin, SS committee chair.

“This opportunity for a centrally located community shop will help bring life back to the High Street, benefiting locals and tourists alike.”

Plans for a purpose-built village store were drawn up by a specialist architect with the building being carefully designed to reflect its sensitive position below Selborne Hanger.

It will be positioned next to the hedge along Plum Fell Lane if the plans are approved, while the existing barn at the back of the field will be demolished to open up the view.

Access will lead to limited car parking behind the shop while the remainder of the plot will become a wildflower meadow.

People behind the scheme want the shop to sell a range of essential and not-so essential provisions with an emphasis on locally sourced food, with the community deciding what should be stocked.

“The aim is for a long-term sustainable shop which will improve the infrastructure of the village and for those living or working nearby – the whole project will be community-run and led,” added Mr Martin.

“It will also act as a social hub for the village providing an impromptu meeting place.”

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

For more details and to comment on the application search for SDNP/26/01270/FUL at the planning portal section of www.southdowns.gov.uk