Plans have been submitted that could see two new flats and retail space replace Manor Pharmacy on Harpenden's Leyton Green.

Earlier this month, the pharmacy submitted plans that, if approved, would see it move to Harpenden High Street, replacing the former HSBC bank.

The move would create space at 2-3 Leyton Green, currently occupied by the pharmacy.

Southdown Property Ltd has submitted proposals to the district council that would see a two-storey extension to create a pair of two bedroom flats on the upper floors, with a one bedroom flat at 2 Leyton Green.

Currently, 2 Leyton Green is used as ancillary space for the pharmacy, while the upper floor of 3 Leyton Green is a flat.

Under the plans, the ground floor of 3 Leyton Green would remain as a Class E retail unit for a new business to take over.

A letter accompanying the application says: "Harpenden is a thriving, expanding, busy town. It is important to keep helping the economic growth of the town by providing businesses with opportunities to expand and for new businesses to open and bring employment to the town."

It goes on to say: "The proposal includes three flats, adding a further two units to the housing supply. The sustainable location of these units and the close links to public transport and local amenities carries significant weight in the planning balance."

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The plans have been met with a mixed response, with one nearby resident lodging an objection to the new commercial unit.

They wrote that the plans are "inappropriate for Leyton Green", labelling the application "a desperate attempt to claw a bonus commercial unit of ridiculous small size on the foot print of the property. "

Despite this, the resident is in favour of plans for new flats, just not with a retail unit attached.

But another resident offered support for the plans, commenting: "There is significant demand for small retail units which are more affordable for small businesses. 

"Such a unit will appeal to a wide range of occupiers and I expect that uses such as hairdressers, florists, mobile phone retailers and beauty treatments will be attracted to such a unit."

You can comment on the application until September 14 by visiting the St Albans City and District Council planning portal and entering the reference 5/2024/1390.