PLANS to convert a shop into two flats have been thrown out by council officers.

The application to build a two-storey extension at the back of George Alexander Hair Design in Daubhill was refused on Friday.

Planners at the town hall decided that the proposal does not meet the standards set by the council's policy on house extensions.

It said: "The proposed extensions and alterations would, by virtue of their design, scale and siting, be detrimental to the character and appearance of the area and would provide inadequate living conditions for the future occupiers."

The property on the corner of Morris Green Lane and Hurst Street currently has one flat above the hair salon.

The proposal submitted to the council in February involved creating an additional flat at the rear of the property by building a two-storey extension.

There were also plans for new window openings and a detached garage.

The application promised that the self-contained flats would be affordale.

It described the proposed new flat as "good sized" but recognised that the size of the existing flat is "substandard" according to national guidelines.

The plans, submitted by RA Design & Project Management Ltd said that development would be "relatively minor" but "significantly great" in terms of its benefits.

It said: "As well as helping regeneration, smaller residential developments also contribute significantly to housing delivery and accommodation is sustainable."