PLANS for better facilities at a hostel for the homeless have been submitted to Bournemouth council.

Bournemouth Churches Housing Association is seeking to replace a small parking area for four cars on its ground floor of the St Paul's shelter with new medical consultation rooms, a gym and extra offices.

A planning statement by the charity says the car park "has not been used since December 2016 due to a mechanical fault with the motor of the roller shutter".

"The removal of this parking provision has not presented difficulties for staff who currently access the site by private vehicle," it states.

The hostel has around 15 members of staff, as well as visiting doctors, nurses and a podiatrist. Currently the doctor is present three days a week, however under the plans he or she would visit on five days a week.

The statement says: "The site's proximity to public transport links and the attractive cycling environment (as well as the overlooked secure cycle storage provided on site) provides a good opportunity to encourage sustainable travel.