Plans to build a two-storey flat above a former family-run shop have been approved.

The number of floors at 146A High Street will triple under plans approved today, February 26, by Watford Borough Council.

It will see a three-bedroom flat with a joint kitchen-dining room and separate living room constructed on top of the ground-floor retail unit.

Formerly home to Sweet Time, the building will retain the store space with a separate door in the shopfront to reach the flat.

Watford Observer: The store closed on June 29 last year. The store closed on June 29 last year. (Image: Newsquest)

Sweet Time had traded in High Street since August 1985, but closed last June after nearly 38 years of serving customers.

Harry Kapuria, 42, the shop owners’ son, previously told the Watford Observer the landlord wanted the unit back, which also coincided with his parents’ retirement.

Speaking before the closure last year, Harry said: “It’s quite sad to be honest. It’s been in the family for a long time.

“My brother and I work here full time now, but when we were children, we used to come here and help out every weekend, bank holiday and summer holidays.”