PLANS have been made to demolish a former tearooms in Christchurch and replace the building with a house.

If given permission, developers would knock down the “tired” Ducking Stool Tearooms in Ducking Stool Lane, which also has a flat above.

The replacement building would have a traditional warehouse design to reflect the style of buildings in the Christchurch Central Conservation Area, such as the former Cornfactor building.

Architects Evans & Traves say the new build would reflect the “utilitarian feel of buildings that would historically have been prominent along Ducking Stool Lane”. Materials that would have been used on the site historically, including red/orange brick and a slate roof, would also be used.

The current building, which is believed to date from the Victorian era, has been “heavily modified” over the years, which has “significantly diminished the character of the building”, according to Evans & Traves.

In a design and access statement attached to the plans, they said: “This application represents a significant opportunity to improve the streetscene of Ducking Stool Lane. The existing building is tired and has suffered from years of unsympathetic alterations and modifications, such that its contribution to the character and appearance of the Town Centre Conservation Area is materially reduced.

“The redevelopment of the site as proposed will be an enhancement to the character and appearance of this part of the town.”

They added the ground floor shop front was “constructed of poor quality timber that has been neglected for a number of years”.

And the “mock Tudor features such as carriage lamps and black painted timber detract from the building”, they said.

Currently, the existing flat above the former tearooms contains four rooms, as well as a bathroom, kitchen and storage rooms.

The building is vulnerable to flooding, and it is proposed the replacement building would enable flood resilient measures to be put in place.

Although the proposed new home would replace a commercial building, Evans & Traves argue this would “reinforce the quiet character of this part of the town centre”.

They added: “The building has sat empty for a period of time and at present is making a negative contribution to this part of the conservation area.”