Shoprite is branching out into property development.

The Manx firm has applied for planning permission to create starter units for fledgling businesses on land next to its headquarters on Victoria Road in Douglas.

Detailed planning permission is sought for four buildings, each with 6000 square feet of office space, capable of being divided into offices for as few as five people.

The company says its development should help ease the shortage of so-called 'incubation space' for start-up businesses - a need highlighted by the Department of Trade and Industry in its current business plan.

Shoprite has also applied for approval-in-principle for a second, similar development on the eastern border of the land.

The 'leafy' aspect of the site will be kept, and the application includes proposals for reducing car usage.