PERMISSION is being sought to build four flats above a convenience store.

Shop owner Cemal Altun has submitted plans to redevelop the “underutilised” four-storey flat above Best-One in Ashley Road, Parkstone, allowing four new ones to be built.

He is proposing to construct three two-bedroom and one one-bedroom apartments across two floors above the store.

A planning statement submitted with the application says that two parking spaces will be available, although one will be required for deliveries during the day.

It adds that it is “not possible” to provide any more although a cycle store will be built if permission is granted.

“The scheme has been developed to utilise space above the existing shop to produce an economic development by building upon the existing structure,” the statement says.

“The shop would remain in use while the work proceeds.

“To be viable it needs to provide four flats and we believe it works well with good-sized internal accommodation.”

The application will be considered by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council planning officers in the coming weeks.