PLANS have been submitted to demolish a number of buildings in town and construct 20 new apartments made up of one- and two-bedroom units.
Submitted by MS Planning on behalf of developer Hebden Ltd, the proposals seek to scrap 9 Great Union Road, 1–3 Devonshire Lane and Belize Cottage in order to construct two commercial units, eight one-bedroom flats and 12 two-bedroom flats.
The two commercial units would be used as small office spaces.
According to documents submitted as part of the planning application, the existing buildings, which are currently used for commercial purposes, are in a state of disrepair with evidence of damp, rotting and leaks.
A structural assessment states that it is likely that aspects of the current buildings do not meet structural or insulation requirements.
Developers say that having concluded that the buildings are coming to the end of their lifespans, they are therefore seeking a fresh start, rather than a refurbishment, for which planning approval was granted in 2020.
The proposed development will be up to four storeys high, which is higher than the existing structures, but in line with the nearby David Moon apartments.
The developers say neighbouring residents have been consulted and have not made any objections to the plans so far.
If planning permission is granted, the work is estimated to take between 18 months and three years.
