PORT chiefs in Southampton have applied to knock down a disused former inspection building.

Associated British Ports (ABP) has filed plans with the city council to knock down the former pre-delivery inspection building off Western Avenue.

The building used to be used for goods coming off ships to be checked before they were then sent for delivery elsewhere in the country by road or rail.

But it is now not used and the plans would see the building demolished and the area resurfaced to create a storage compound area.

City council planners are expected to reach a decision on the proposals by June 17.

Last month ABP announced £12m plans for new facilities in the port, which include a five-storey vehicle handling facility in the Eastern Docks that will be able to handle 3,200 vehicles when it is completed next March.

The plans also include a £3m open-air car-handling facility.