PLANS have been submitted to construct a five-storey building in Boscombe town centre.

The developer 10 Ant Group wants to demolish the outbuilding at 659 Christchurch Road, between Barclay's Bank and Boscombe Library, and build four new flats, bin and cycle store – along with a new vehicular access and parking.

A similar proposal for a five-storey building on site was refused in 2016, because of the lack of financial contributions towards heathlands mitigation and affordable housing. However, Bournemouth Borough Council at that time were satisfied with the proposal in all other respects.

A planning statement accompanying the latest proposal, written by planner Steve Tapscott – of Lily Chapman Planning – said: "The application seeks full planning permission to erect a five-storey block of four flats.

"The design philosophy is contemporary in nature and its slick appearance with grey colouring would compliment the adjacent library building.

"It also references the scale parameters set by the previous scheme and continues to include an inset top floor.

"The result is a genuine enhancement to the local area and a much-needed boost to housing land supply."

The document also make referenced to the Boscombe and Pokesdown Neighbourhood Plan, which includes objectives such as providing better homes and affordable homes for existing residents by rebalancing the housing stock – including specialist housing – with a presumption in favour of family dwellings with at least two bedrooms.

Mr Tapscott concluded: "The proposal presents a sustainable form of development, contributing to the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of Bournemouth."

He also added that the new apartments plans would "make more efficient use of brownfield urban land" and "provide modern, fit-for-purpose accommodation, meeting an identified need for tow-bed properties."

Members of the public can comment on the plans by visiting BCP Council's website.