A WAREHOUSE discount store in Highcliffe could be knocked down with a new retail unit and flats built in its place if plans are given approval.

An outline planning application to demolish G&T’s in Lymington Road and build a four storey building, including nine apartments, has been submitted by Bournemouth-based company Stonehaven Land Developments.

According to a planning, design and access statement by Chapman Lily Planning, the proposed development would “make efficient use of an underutilised brownfield site; retaining an active ground floor frontage to the benefit of the Highcliffe shopping centre” and would “deliver nine much-needed new apartments in a highly-accessible location”.

While the new commercial occupant for the proposed development is not yet known, it would be either another shop, a restaurant/café, or a financial/professional services provider.

Above the ground floor would be five two-bedroom flats and four one-beds. Four flats are proposed on the first floor, three on the second floor and two on the top floor, situated within the roof space.

Three of the first floor flats would have terraces on the east side of the building.

The top floor of residential accommodation would be situated within the new roof space.

The parking spaces currently located next to the building would be kept as part of the new build.

Sylvia Leonard, of Chapman Lily Planning, said: “The existing building is of no historic or architectural merit and so there is no objection to its replacement. The replacement development will provide a high-quality scheme which will retain an active ground floor frontage in addition to providing nine, much-needed residential apartments, thereby making efficient use of the site.

“The location would also afford future occupants easy access to shops, services, and employment, education and leisure opportunities by means other than the private car.”

She added: “The footprint of the replacement building is broadly commensurate with that of the existing building and the pedestrian access path which runs adjacent to the east side of the building will be retained. The wide paved areas to the front and west side of the building will also remain unchanged.”

Developers also promise a “high standard of design” for the proposed development, which would “complement and enhance this part of Highcliffe”.