In recent years, a Mitcham road has been decimated by shop closures.

An 11 store stretch in Streatham Road currently only has six open for business.

This includes one Chinese and two fried chicken takeaways, which according to a planning application submitted to Merton Council, is "putting off others from moving" to the area.

But the developers behind that application are hoping to bring the "tired" street back to life with a new sports and health facility.

"A Tesco Local has opened to the south in a recent development, which appears to be the only business along this stretch of road with constant trade," the application read.

"These premises need to be brought back into life and it would appear that the only sensible way is through a change of use."

The shop in question is the former site of Mitcham DIY Timber.

The applicants are suggesting turning the shop into a dojo, although it is not set in stone as they believe if permission is granted and marketing the space can begin, people may bring forth a better type of sport facility.

"We believe that this change of use will provide the level of flexibility required to allow this unit to be brought back into life and make it a sustainable building moving forward," the application continued.

"It provides a use that can not be fully replicated at home or on-line, so will bring people into the area which will hopefully encourage greater use of the surrounding businesses."