Plans have been approved to more than double the size of a shop on the main shopping street in Diss.

Diss Mercury: Impressions of approved plans to expand 27 Mere Street in Diss with two first floor flats. Picture: Keith Day Architects/South Norfolk CouncilImpressions of approved plans to expand 27 Mere Street in Diss with two first floor flats. Picture: Keith Day Architects/South Norfolk Council (Image: Archant)

The application to significantly expand the Grade II listed building on Mere Street, as well as adding two first floor flats above, has been given the go-ahead by South Norfolk Council.

The former YMCA charity shop and Currys electrical store had been disused before recently being opened as pop-up music instrument shop PJ Music.

The plans would expand the 92 sq m size of retail area downstairs to 229 sq m with a large extension into what is currently a car park at the rear. It comes despite the pressures facing high street retailers.

In a report prepared by council planners states: 'The additional floor areas would provide extra commercial space in the town and new residential space 'over the shop'. Both aspects would support the vitality of the town and provide new employment opportunities.'