TEN flats could add another floor to the top of the Burlington Arcade in Bournemouth.

A proposal has been submitted to Bournemouth Council for the development at the shopping arcade in the town centre.

The scheme for ten flats includes eight one-bedroom flats and two two-bedroom properties.

Current stores at the arcade include Boots, Card Factory and Giggi Gelateria among others.

Bournemouth Echo:

A planning statement submitted on behalf of the applicant, Beermount Ltd, says they do not consider the proposal will have a negative effect on the setting of Old Christchurch Road.

They say residential properties above shops are common in the area, and the application is driven by demand for property in Bournemouth town centre.

It adds: "It is considered by the applicant that this is an excellent opportunity to update the existing building that currently at best only makes a neutral contribution to the surrounding shopping frontages and Conservation Area.

"The appearance of the proposed development has been driven by the aspiration to create a high quality development that respects the streetscene.

Bournemouth Echo:

"The proposal constitutes an interesting architectural design which will make a positive contribution to the built environment, fitting in well with the pattern of development in the locality.

"Through the use of modern design and a high quality material finish the proposal will sit harmoniously within the respective street scenes and will have a positive relationship with neighbouring properties."

Due to its town centre location, there will be no parking for residents' vehicles.

There has been one comment raising concerns about the proposed height of the building overshadowing Canford Chambers on the St Peter's Road side.

"The prominence of any such development would result in substantial harm to the character of the Conservation Area. "The current building is already higher than these adjacent buildings, but just about at the vertical limit of the previous Cairns Memorial Home and Shaftesbury Hall on this site.

"St Peter's Road is generally in need of investment and is sensitive and vulnerable to change; to create a vertically out of proportion building would not assist in retaining, or at least fostering, a positive streetscape in this part of the Conservation Area."