PLANS to build 21 flats above a former nightclub in Poole town centre have been put forward.

Westbourne Holdings Ltd has submitted an application to redevelop the former Barque bar in High Street to build more than 20 flats over three floors.

If approved, part of the rear of the building would be demolished before being extended to accommodate 21 one and two-bedroom flats.

The planning application also seeks permission to change the use of the ground floor from a nightclub to a shop with the homes built above and behind.

Barque opened in April 2016 less than two months after nightclub On The Roxx had its licence withdrawn following a police request to Poole council.

The council’s licensing sub-committee revoked the licence after hearing that 54 incidents of ‘serious crime and disorder’ had been reported in eight months.

The owners of the new bar promised to shift its focus onto food and was granted a licence on reduced hours, however it closed less than a year after opening and the building at 89 High Street has been empty since.

Developer Westbourne Holdings described its proposals for the site as “carefully balanced and attractive”.

A statement attached to the application says: “The proposed use is considered entirely acceptable given the surrounding contact is that of retail uses on the ground facing onto the high street and residential development to the rear and above of these retail units.

“Furthermore, the site is located within the defined town centre of Poole where the majority of new residential development is encouraged.

“The proposal represents a sensitive form of development which sits comfortably within the street scene.

“It is considered that the proposed scheme has created a carefully balanced and attractive development which respects the character of the area.”

According to the submitted plans, 19 of the flats would have two bedrooms with the other two being one-bedroom.

The planning application was submitted earlier this month and will be considered by Poole council over the coming weeks.