PLANS have been unveiled to flatten the former Wemyss Bay Hotel and build a new Co-op supermarket in its place.

Developers SAPP Property have applied to the council for permission to demolish the eyesore and build a store at the site in Greenock Road.

Permission is also sought for a unit which would contain a shop, cafe/restaurant or hot food takeaway as part of the development.

A statement, which is part of the planning application, says: "The proposed development is intended to provide a modern, small, local supermarket to improve local access to facilities within the catchment of the local settlements of Wemyss Bay and Skelmorlie.

"Existing convenience floorspace does not meet the requirements of the area.

"Significant convenience expenditure is leaking from the area, particularly to Greenock and Largs.

"The majority of this leakage will always continue because of the scale and nature of the retail offers in Greenock and Largs.

"Nevertheless, the local area is currently poorly serviced in terms of the scale and nature of local convenience shopping facilities.

"The only convenience stores available locally are 'top-up' type stores.

"A small, appropriately-sized, local supermarket would provide local facilities which would bridge the gap between the small local shops and the major destinations in Greenock and Largs."

The former hotel has been empty for several years and has fallen into a state of disrepair.

It enjoys a prime location just off the busy main road and has a sizeable car park.

Earlier this year, the Telegraph exclusively revealed that the Co-op were eyeing up the site.

Planning chiefs at Inverclyde Council are now considering the proposal.