A VACANT takeaway could be transformed into a new dog grooming salon if plans are approved by civic chiefs.

An application has been submitted to Southampton City Council seeking to turn the former Bombay Delight premises in Sholing into a grooming salon for pets.

The application has been submitted by Michael Foster of Barks N' Bubbles Dog Grooming and if approved, will see the opening of a grooming salon and accessary shop in Alfriston Gardens.

The site was formerly an Indian takeaway but the restaurant is now permanently closed.

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The opening of the store will provide work for four people including the owner, two groomers and a shop assistant.

The shop will also supply products made by local companies and craftspeople retaining a local presence and supporting local businesses.

The company also plans to provide work experience for level 2 and 3 students who are studying Animal Management Qualifications at Sparsholt College.

If approved, the shop will be open between 8.30am and 7pm from Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm on Saturdays, and between 10am and 4pm on Sundays and bank holidays.

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The dog grooming salon will provide grooming with "no more than four dogs in the salon at a time", which will be staggered 15 minutes apart.

Each member of staff is responsible for their dog, so no loose dogs will be in the shop at any time.

Each full-time groomer will be allocated a maximum of six customers per day.

The plans said: "The hot food takeaway has been vacant for some time, it had been left unkept and is an eyesore in the area.

"By allowing the change of use, and opening as a dog grooming salon and dog accessory shop, it will inject further vitality in the area, preserve the building and prevent it from falling into further disrepair."

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