PLANS to build a seven-storey block of 63 retirement apartments next to the Hunger Hill roundabout have been submitted.

Churchill Retirement Living has applied to BCP Council for permission to redevelop the National Tyres and Autocare site.

It said the new block would be an “attractive” building and would “reintroduce” residential use to the town centre.

The first iteration of proposals for the site were discussed with Poole council in November with several amendments made before an application was submitted earlier this month.

A public consultation was held in May at The Spire but only three people attended over the course of the three-hour event.

Under the proposals submitted, the building would have 45 one-bedroom and 18 two-bedroom flats all of which would be restricted to people aged 60 and above.

The plans include provision for 25 parking spaces, most of which would be beneath the building, and a lounge and coffee bar for residents.

A statement submitted with the application by Churchill’s in-house consultancy Planning Issues, says the plans, if approved, would allow a “high quality” building to be constructed.

“The proposal will create an attractive development of retirement housing with a building design which respects and enhances the character of both the immediate vicinity and the wider area,” it says.

“It reintroduces residential use to the town centre to increase the attractiveness of Poole as both a place to do business and a place to live.”

It adds: “The proposed development will reuse a previously developed site rather than previously undeveloped green field land.

“The site is located within walking distance of Poole High Street, close to the shops and other commercial and social facilities within Poole and well served by local transport links, reducing reliance on the use of private cars.”

Ownership of the apartments will be restricted to people aged at least 60 or to people with a partner older than 55.

Churchill says that because of the nature of the development, rather than providing affordable housing as part of the scheme, it would make a financial contribution to the council.

Council planning officers will consider the application in the coming weeks.