The site of a disused shop in Swindon town centre could be knocked down to allow the construction of a block of four flats.

The LFT Property Group has put in an application which would see the shop at 29 John Street, and the single-storey link between that unit and 49 Fleet Street knocked down.

In its place the company wants to put up a four-storey building containing four flats, and the entrance and communal areas which would be used by the residents of the flats and another two to be constructed on the first floor of number 49 Fleet, that wraps around the corner from Fleet Steet.

Earlier this year Armada Holdings was given permission to do something very similar but to replace the demolished buildings with a three-storey building, containing three flats, which would also serve the two flats in number 49.

The applicant for the new plan says: the demolition and erection of a four-storey building to create four flats and conversion to two flats, properly maximises the application site’s full potential, taking account of the general character of surrounding development and  the scale of buildings.

“The proposals seek to utilise the site with regard to the footprint, scale, and mass, in particular levels and heights.”

The new plans show there would be a total of six apartments, five with two bedrooms and one a single bed flat.

The proposed new flats would have an open plan kitchen, lounge, and dining area with an internal balcony, separate bathrooms, master bedroom, a secondary bedroom and a dedicated study/office room.

The applicant makes reference to Swindon Borough Council’s publicised wish to see that part of the town centre regenerated by the conversion of empty shops and office buildings into housing, which it says would see a wider variety of businesses move into the area to serve residents.

The application says the extra flat would help with the council’s housing supply and adds: “The buildings that directly adjoin the site are of similar character, consisting of ground floor commercial premises and a mix of commercial and residential use above the ground floor.

“A vibrant and attractive central area is key to commercial and individual investment in Swindon, and in turn would uplift the economy of the town centre.

“The proposed development would cause no detrimental impact upon the amenity of neighbouring properties.”

Comments on the proposals should be made by July 8 and a decision is expected by August 7.