PART of Highcliffe's shopping area could see a major revamp under proposals to redevelop part of the main high street.

An application from Hoburne Estates details the plans, which include the demolition of four existing retail units, and construction of six shops, 23 flats and four houses built behind the new block.

Described as an "innovative and exciting" scheme to regenerate Highcliffe, a planning statement from agent Anders, Roberts and Associates say the development has a "fundamentally residential emphasis".

But the proposal also includes a mix of commercial uses to compensate for the loss of the existing retail units, a statement says.

Currently, there are two estate agents and Hoburne's main office operating in the existing units, along with an empty store.

The flats would be a mix of one and two bedrooms, with four three-bedroom houses at the back of the main high street units.

Highcliffe has seen a rise in empty retail units over the units, with the village's last bank closing in 2014.

A campaign was set-up by traders and residents in a bid to improve the state of the shopping area and encourage more traders and footfall to businesses.

The planning statement submitted to Christchurch Borough Council said: "The current commercial environment of

Highcliffe has been taken into consideration in the design brief, with regard to the significant number of low quality commercial premises within the town centre.

"As such the commercial uses will be a modern standard, suitable to a wide range of occupiers, and situated on the

ground floor of the development to create an active frontage, where footfall and commercial presence will be high, therefore increasing the units’ viability and sustainability."

A spokesperson for Hoburne Developments said: "We are passionate about our local community and supportive of the ‘Vision for Highcliffe’ campaign.

"By heavily investing in this new retail and residential development we will attract new businesses and families to offer more choice to the community.

"Feedback on our initial plans has been positive and we have had a lot of interest from well-known high street brands.

"We’re committed to playing a part in reviving the high street and believe that the redevelopment will secure a bright future for Highcliffe."