PLANS have been submitted to redevelop part of the main shopping street of a town.

London-based Central Investments has applied for permission for a retail and residential redevelopment in Front Street, Chester-le-Street.

The plans would see the demolition of five existing shops, including Blockbuster Video and the Marie Curie Cancer Care charity shop, to be replaced by four retail units on the ground floor, with 14 apartments above.

The plans come as council leaders continue to forge ahead with a £4m New Heart project, aimed at reviving the fortunes of Chester-le-Street.

The council's Front Street environmental improvement scheme took the Large Urban Regeneration top prize in a national award scheme 15 months ago.

Ian Ritchie, a spokesman for Central Investments, said: "At present, the site is occupied by five relatively small retail units.

"It comprises single-storey accommodation with a two-storey false front wall. There is nothing behind that wall. The whole development is of the late 1960s and 70s and showing signs of its age."

Mr Ritchie said the proposal had the potential for four retail units on the ground floor of about 1,000sq ft each, 14 one and two-bedroomed apartments and parking to the rear.

He said: "The building will reinforce the street scene with a traditional brick and tiled roof elevation with an articulated facade to enhance the overall development and its neighbours."

He added: "The completed development will not only provide significantly better retail space and servicing, but, with the incorporation of upper floor apartments, will help regenerate this part of the town.

"It will also provide enhanced security at night by way of overlooking to the front and rear."

He added the developer was "keen to accommodate the aspirations of the existing tenants wherever possible, and structure the building works to cause the least disruption practicable".