HE is already a businessman, a county and a district councillor and is thinking of running for Parliament. Now Claude Bodenham plans to become the owner of a cottage for letting.

He has applied to South Shropshire District Council for permission to convert a former Primitive Methodist chapel, across the lane from his home in Stoke St Milborough into a two-bedroom cottage.

"It dates from 1834 and we bought it in 1972," Mr Bodenham explained.

"It's used as an agricultural store and an office at the moment and is in need of repair; we plan to do that using existing materials."

A new floor will go in, with a gallery overlooking the downstairs sitting room. There will be access for the disabled and parking for two vehicles.

The chapel is listed but fell into disuse in the 1970s.

Mr Bodenham does not sit on the district council's development control committee, which will consider his application. Any public representations should go in by Tuesday.