OFFICES in Bournemouth town centre could be converted into dozens of apartments.

Permission is being sought to change the use of sections of Richmond House, which is located in Richmond Hill and Yelverton Road, from office to residential accommodation.

If approved, the majority of the site's offices would be converted, creating 72 flats.

A prior notification application is attempting to gain permission from BCP Council under general permitted development terms.

Bournemouth Central ward councillor Mike Greene said he welcomed the potential for new homes in the heart of the town but added that he would need time to study the details.

A supporting statement submitted by Chapman Lily Planning Limited on behalf of applicant said it sets out how the proposal meets requirements to be allowed to convert offices to dwellinghouses.

"The proposal will provide a net increase of 27 one-bed apartments and 45 two-bed apartments," said the statement. "For the avoidance of doubt, no external alterations are proposed."

The application relates to suites one, three and four on the lower ground floor, suites one to two on the ground floor, suites one to six on the first floor, suites one to six on the second floor, suites one to six on the third floor, suites one to four on the fourth floor.

The statement details why the developer believes the plans comply with the requirements of transport and highways, contamination, flooding and noise, which are required to obtain change of use permission under general permitted development.

This type of scheme can be brought following changes to the Town and Country Planning Act in 2015, which introduced a number of new planning rights if applicants met certain criteria.

Councillor Greene told the Daily Echo: "I would welcome the opportunity for new homes in the town centre and in such a sustainable location.

"I would need to look at the plans to be reassured that the standard of accommodation is suitable and would attract the sort of occupiers appropriate for this vibrant location."