Two shops in Western Road could be knocked down and rebuilt with 14 flats above and behind.
Plans to demolish the units currently occupied by Card Factory and Cancer Research were first submitted in 2024, but are now being readvertised following tweaks to the design.
These include reducing the number of flats from 16, and increasing the amount of commercial space.
The flats at the back would face onto Clarence Square.
The applicant, Rachel Charitable Trust, is also now asking for exemption from the requirement to provide 20% affordable homes on the basis it would make the scheme unviable.
The original application, written by WSP, says: “The site is currently under-occupied with the upper levels largely vacant and derelict resulting in inefficient use of brownfield, sustainable land, and also the detraction of the appearance of the area.
“The proposed development follows a design-led approach to optimise the site’s capacity whilst intensifying the use of the site which has strong level of accessibility from public transport.
“The proposals will retain the existing ground floor retail use within the new building, whilst delivering much needed homes in a sustainable location.
“The existing retail units extend throughout the entirety of the two buildings, but the upper and basement levels are largely vacant and/or used simply for storage.
“The size of these units means that they create rental and rate level challenges for occupiers which make them sub-optimal.
“During the preparation of the proposals, agent advice has been sought on the extent of the replacement retail space in the development and the proposed two retail units (which could be amalgamated into one larger unit if required) is seen as providing a good level of floorspace for prospective tenants.
“Furthermore, the enhancement of the shopfront on this part of Western Road (including the condition of the building on the upper levels), will improve the condition and environment of the Western Road shopping frontage, enriching the quality, vibrancy and vitality of the high street.”
