PLANS to build more flats at a major development in Highcliffe have been submitted to Christchurch Borough Council.

A proposal to rebuild part of Highcliffe's shopping area in Lymington Road was approved at the end of last year, along with a similar application from applicants Hoburne Developments Ltd for the opposite side of the road.

It was for six retail units, 20 two-bedroom flats, three one-bedroom flats, four three-bedroom houses and the demolition of the existing buildings, which included two estate agents, Hoburne's main office and an empty store.

Now, the new plans are proposing to build five more flats - bringing the total to 28.

Other tweaks include one more storey of accommodation, a bridging link between the two blocks, three more car parking spaces and internal revisions to combine three of the shop units into one retail space.

A statement from the developers says: "The revised proposal will deliver the same commercial floorspace as the approved scheme, but will increase the number of dwellings within the development from 27 to 32 – a net increase of five homes.

"This increase should be regarded as a positive and beneficial feature of the scheme given the ongoing need for a significant boost in the number of new homes being delivered in the borough and nationally, the highly sustainable and accessible location of the site, and the national presumption in favour of sustainable development."

It adds: "The proposed flats will provide high quality living environments for future occupants.

"The flats provide a range of sizes and layouts and are ideally suited to those seeking to downsize or to newly formed households requiring more modest-sized homes."

The separate scheme for the opposite side of Lymington Road included a block with two retail units, along with five two-bedroom flats and seven one-bedroom flats.

A terrace of five two bedroom houses would be built at the back of the new development.

This would mean the demolition of the existing building, which currently contains a post office, hairdresser's, charity shop and a former pharmacy.