A POPULAR Poole off licence threatened under proposals for a four-storey flat complex may not be lost after all, it has emerged.

The application for the Oddbins site on the corner of Sandbanks Road and Anthony's Avenue, Lilliput, originally included plans for the flats and a ground floor restaurant.

Now property consultant Richard Carr, who is working for the firm behind the proposals, insists: "We are in active discussions with Oddbins for them to take on the unit.

"This is obviously a much better outcome for us and everybody because it is much better for the flat owners above if they haven't got a restaurant below them.

"It is highly likely Oddbins will remain there in a new store, the aim is they will retain the ground floor."

The application for the Oddbins site on the corner of Sandbanks Road and Anthony's Avenue is for eight two-and-three-bedroom flats.

It also includes parking for 12 cars, nine of which would be in an underground car park, and associated cycle and bin stores.

The Daily Echo understands Oddbins is keen to remain on site with a new store, and that negotiations are ongoing.

The proposed building features a curved, predominantly glass frontage extending into what is currently the shop forecourt parking area, with a restaurant accessible from the pavement.

There would also be a new access point from Anthony's Avenue.

More than 70 consultation responses had been lodged with Borough of Poole by last week, the vast majority opposing the scheme - although at that point news of talks surrounding the off licence's future remained under wraps.

The plans have yet to come before Borough of Poole's planning committee.