A FORMER troubled nightclub on Poole High Street will finally be replaced with a new development after lying empty for around two years.

The venue called On The Roxx lost its licence in 2016 after more than 50 incidents of ‘serious crime and disorder’ were reported in just eight months.

In April that year, Barque bar opened – but it closed less than a year after opening and the building at 89 High Street has been vacant ever since.

Developers Westbourne Holdings submitted plans to redevelop the Grade II listed site in August last year, and these were approved by a Poole council planning officer a few days before the new Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council came into being.

The scheme will deliver 21 flats over three floors and a new shop or office unit on the ground floor.

The one and two-bedroom flats will be accessed from Westons Lane.

The majority of the 18th century building will be demolished, with only a section fronting the High Street and Westons Lane due to form part of the new development.

Planning officer James Gilfillan said in a report: “Because of the amount of the building to be demolished the impact would be significant, however because of the nature of that part to be demolished and that to be retained the impact on the Grade II Listed building would be less than substantial and the Conservation Area would not be harmed.”

No car parking will be provided for the new development, so a condition has been imposed on Westbourne Holdings to provide a car club near the site for residents to use.

“Town centre parking options would be available to visitors and residents who choose to own a car, however the lack of dedicated parking for this scheme is not considered to be unacceptable or inevitably lead to parking congestion in nearby roads,” Mr Gilfillan said.

When the plans were put forward, concerns were raised by the Society for Poole about the size of the development and the lack of suitable bicycle and bin storage space.

Geoff James, owner of the neighbouring building occupied by Italian restaurant Ginali’s, also raised concerns about the layout of the new building.

Despite these concerns, Mr Gilfillan approved the scheme.

He said it would have ‘economic, environmental and social benefits’ and ‘enhance the vitality and vibrancy of the town centre’.