A FORMER children's nursery could be demolished under new plans to build a block of flats.

An application for planning permission has been submitted to Eastleigh Borough Council to build a block of flats on Leigh Road,

Nine flats would be created in the new three-storey building that would be located on the site of a former nursery on the corner of Leigh Road and Woodside Avenue.

The nursery would be demolished under the plans to make room for the flats which would also include parking, cycling and bin provisions.

The new building would include six one-bedroom flats and and three two-bedroom flats that would all share a communal garden.

The applicant, Mr A Nathwani, said in the application documents: "The proposed development will make efficient use of a sustainable site, which is within immediate proximity to a range of services and public bus services that would deliver accessible residential development within a new build suited to respect the residential setting and neighbouring amenities."

A previous application for the site outlined plans to extend and convert the existing nursery building but the applicant said this latest plan would "make more efficient use of the site".

It is also proposed that 13 parking bays are created to serve future residents of the flats with access into the flats provided through the communal entrance of the car park.

The applicant added: "The proposal would have an economic benefit during the construction phase and a social benefit through the provision of 9 windfall residential units making a small but valuable contribution to local housing supply.

"This is a clear benefit as it reduces pressure on housing land taken elsewhere."