FRESH plans have been revealed to replace a former comic book store in Poole and replace it with a new shop building.

Developers want to demolish the building in the historic Old Town area that formerly housed Paradox Comics and build a three-storey development in its place.

Paradox moved into a shop unit next door to the building that faces development.

Above the new shop unit would be four flats spread over two floors.

Similar proposals were given planning permission by the council in July last year.

The proposed development would be of a “traditional design drawing inspiration from the Georgian architecture of many buildings within the old town,” the planning application states.

Pure Town Planning prepared a statement on behalf of the applicant Mars Investments.

The new building would “enhance the vitality of the area”, the firm said.

“The development will enhance the historic character and appearance of the lower High Street without a detrimental impact upon the setting of neighbouring listed and locally listed buildings.

“Furthermore, the development will bring more residents into the town centre, which will enhance the Town Centre Conservation Area, adding to the vibrancy and vitality of the area.”

The ground floor shop would be a proposed 87sqm in size, and the four two-bedroom flats would range in size from 43sqm to 55sqm.

“The proposed amount is very similar to that of the approved scheme and creates a carefully balanced and attractive development which respects the character of the area,” Pure Town Planning said.

“The proposal represents a sensitive form of development which sits comfortably within the street scene. In addition, it is considered that the development will not have an overbearing impact on the neighbouring plots or the street scene.”

Three off-street parking spaces would be provided with the new development, as well as bicycle spaces.

In 2017, developers submitted plans to build 38 apartments at the nearby former Dibben & Sons’ site.

Historic England objected to the proposals for the six-storey development, which included flats and a restaurant.

It is understood the applicant, Hignell Baker Investments, from Ringwood, did not progress with the plans.