New flats could soon be created above a Hitchin shop, if plans submitted to North Herts Council are given the green light.

If approved the plans would see the first floor of a shop on Hermitage Road turned into two new apartments, meanwhile the second floor flat above would be turned into two.

Applicant Stonewater Capital Ltd said the commercial space is "under-utilised" and the new homes would be created in a "highly sustainable location". 

"Similar conversion exercises have previously been approved and implemented along this row," the application said.

It added: "External changes are minimal and will not significantly change the character, appearance or scale of the building. 

"It is proposed to render the brick panels on the north elevation to 'brighten' up this elevation. 

"The brick piers on the party wall lines are proposed to be retained in brickwork to avoid confusing the elevation. 

"On the rear elevation the new entrances to the flats will be signalled with porch recesses and a rendered finish."

See the full application here.