NEW flats could be built in Dovercourt if plans submitted to council bosses are given the greenlight. 

Proposals sent to Tendring Council detail a desire to add an upward extension to an existing building at 268 High Street to create four new flats.

The application also highlights a change of use on the first floor, redesign of building exterior, construction of refuse and cycle stores and creation of new residential entrance.

According to the application, the building is at a prominent corner site on the north side of the street within the Dovercourt town centre area.

It is also in close proximity to buildings of historical and architectural interest such as the Grade II listed Mill House.

This planning application is a follow-up to a pre-application from June, with the applicant now having a revised brief following advice raised by the case officer.

In their planning design and access statement, the applicant said their proposal will be designed to meet current building regulations standards.

It will aim also to reduce noise transmission within the building and to soundproof the proposed flats from outside traffic noise as required.

The owner of the neighbouring site has shown support for the application.

They said: “The proposed redevelopment will be a significant improvement to the existing.

“The current property has had bad luck with tenants for a considerable period of time and the site has become vulnerable to anti-social behaviours locally.

“Providing a new use at this property such as residential will secure the site long-term providing full occupation with ongoing servicing and maintenance.”

Bosses at from the Environmental Protection team, however, have highlighted the risk of contaminated land.

A spokesman said: “Given the site's proximity to several historic, registered contaminated land, we are requesting a Watching Brief be conditioned (on any subsequent approval) and adhered to throughout the demolition and construction phase. 

“We request that the Local Planning Authority are contacted in the event of unexpected ground conditions being encountered during construction and that the below minimum precautions are undertaken until such time as the Local Planning Authority responds to the notification. 

“I would also advise that the developer is made aware that the responsibility for the safe development of the site lies with them.”