Optician and hearing care specialist Duncan and Todd wants to replace the Caledonian Optical Ltd building at 26 Hollybank Place with a four-storey development of 11 two-bedroom flats.

The lens manufacturing plant, which opened in 1976, underwent a £1 million upgrade in 2016 including a £500,000 in-house coating facility, and a second machine line to double its capacity and drastically cut turnaround times.

Design documents prepared by Tinto Architecture said the site represents “a prime opportunity for a considered residential development”.

They state: “The flats designs are unique, of a spatial quality that is generous and well developed. They look at creating a community within the development as communal areas are considered and well designed. We believe these would enhance the surrounding area.”