A new flat could be built above a former family-run High Street shop after it closed in the summer.

After Sweet Time closed in June, following 38 years of trading in Watford town centre, a planning application has been submitted for a three-bed flat to be built above the unit.

According to the design and access statement submitted alongside the proposal, which appeared on the Watford Borough Council planning portal yesterday (November 21), the existing High Street retail space would be retained.

The shop's former unit is currently vacant and the access to the flat would be built into the side of it, next to the neighbouring restaurant Pepe Rosso.

If approved, the flat would have a kitchen/dining room, living room, hall, two bathrooms, and three bedrooms above the shop.

Watford Observer: Image of the former Sweet Time unit submitted alongside the plan.Image of the former Sweet Time unit submitted alongside the plan. (Image: Watford Borough Council planning portal/studio infinitii ltd)

The applicant plans to make its own private agreement with Veolia for refuse, as there would be no room for bins in the High Street setting since there is no rear access.

“This is not a preferable arrangement,” the plan says. “However, it the only feasible solution to refuse collection.”

The plan is currently "pending consideration".