A NEW wine bar is set to open in a Grade II-listed building which used to be an electricals shop.

A 'Christopher White' of Wantage has applied for planning permission to open the business in what used to be M&A Electricals in Market Place.

In a submission to Vale of White Horse District Council, Mr White said: "The Wine Bar will create a stylish and mature environment and we feel that this will enhance what Wantage has to offer for a mixed clientele.

"There are nearby bus routes which will enable the public to visit our premises if travelling from outside the area and we welcome all people on equal terms regardless of age, ethnicity or social grouping."

Mr White said he only planned on making minimal changes to the exterior and interior, redecorating and putting in some new lighting and signage.

The building, which dates to 1708, was home to M&A and Oxfam for decades until the landlord Paul Newton decided to turn the upper storeys into flats, forcing both businesses to leave in July 2015.

Oxfam said it was unable to find a new home in the town and left Wantage, while M&A has moved three times since, and is now in the Arbery Arcade.

The public can see the wine bar plan at whitehorsedc.gov.uk using reference number P17/V3147/FUL. The council is aiming to decide in January.

*An earlier version of this story referred to 'Mrs White', as is incorrectly stated on the planning application