A FORMER pet shop which closed down suddenly looks likely to be demolished and replaced with a new store.

Popular Seapets in Tollgate Road, Stanway, shut down in September last year with bosses leaving a note left in the window says all animals had been rehomed.

But now the Tollgate Partnership - the business behind the large retail park nearby - have lodged plans to demolish the building and replace it with a new modern building which would be used as a shop.

At this stage, there is no indication what store could takeover the new building.

The Tollage Partnership plan to make the building slightly smaller but said the new store could create anywhere between 15 and 35 new jobs.

A planning statement supporting the application said the new building could help to attract top class tenants.

It said: "The application seeks to provide a high quality and contemporary building, suited to modern retailer requirements.

"It will improve the visual appearance of the site and the surrounding area.

"The scheme will also have a range of other benefits, including the replacement of a dated, irregularly shaped retail unit with a high quality, contemporary unit suited to the requirements of modern operators.

"The enhancement of the appearance of the site and in turn this gateway location."

As well as demolishing and rebuilding the unit, bosses also want to make improvements to the car park.

Colchester Council has the final say on the plans.

A decision is expected by July 12.