There are plans to demolish New Look in Stevenage town centre and build a 21-storey block of flats in its place.

The proposed development at 9-11 The Forum would see the three-storey unit knocked down to make way for a 69-metre-high building of 225 flats available for rent.

Flexible commercial floorspace of around 430sqm would be provided on the ground floor, along with facilities such as a parcel room, bike store and bin store.

On a mezzanine floor, there would be indoor amenity space which could comprise of social areas, workspaces and a gym, the developer suggests as an example.

There would be outdoor amenity space on the mezzanine level too, with residents’ terraces located here.

Residential accommodation would be located on the upper floors, from floor one to 21.

Under the plans, development heights across the site would be varied and spread across one block of up to 21 storeys.

The plans do not include any parking spaces.

In a report submitted to Stevenage Borough Council on behalf of the developer Reap 1 Limited, it says: "The proposed development of 225 Build-to-Rent homes, spanning a mix of tenures and sizes, will positively contribute towards Stevenage’s housing delivery.

"This will bring forward beneficial social and economic effects in the wider area, as there will be an increased demand for local services and businesses in Stevenage, particularly in Stevenage town centre. This increased demand and spending will help maintain and enhance the services available within Stevenage."

In terms of the significant height of the proposed development, the report says: "The site is located in an area of emerging height and density and the proposed development would imitate this growing number of similar buildings in this location."

It continues: "The proposed development would respond sensitively to the established aesthetic of the new town context and nearby historic features of the urban landscape, in terms of its façade and appearance. For example, key aspects of the new town context such as linear frontages and canopies have been considered within the design process of the proposed development."

Reap 1 Limited intends to submit a full planning application for the proposed development.

It is expected that, if planning permission is granted, demolition and construction will begin in May next year, and the proposed development will be fully operational by November 2028.