A former carpet shop in Hitchin could become a dentist if new plans are approved.

Silveroak Investments has applied for permission to allow the ground floor of Austin House in Queen Street to become a dental practice.

In their application to North Herts Council, Silveroak argued that using the building as a dental practice “could benefit the existing nearby businesses, bringing potential customers past their premises”.

They said it would provide “a valuable service to local people in a highly sustainable location”.

In 2019, the council granted planning permission to convert the ground floor, formerly occupied by CarpetRight, into three separate retail units.

Plans to turn the upper floors – previously a gym – into eight flats were also approved.

Works on the ground floor conversion are “nearing completion”, according to the applicant, while minor changes would be made to the exterior if the latest plans are approved.