A REQUEST to increase the type of items sold by Dorchester’s Range store could, effectively, turn it into a supermarket – according to one town councillor.

Cllr Stella Jones says she fears that if it is allowed to make the changes and becomes more popular there could be more parking problems in its car park, which sometimes floods, and with access to and from the store at the nearby junction.

But her concerns were not shared by other town councillors at this week’s planning and environment committee and they recommended Dorset Council approves the application.

The store has asked to amend its original planning consent to be allowed to sell a greater range of goods, including more general food items.

The news comes as Weymouth's new Range store will open its doors on Friday, April 30.