A planning appeal has been submitted to build a one-storey extension and a two-bedroom property at a block of flats in Hatfield.

The four-storey building at 22 The Common is already made up of eight flats, but applicant Downtown Constructions Ltd are hoping to add a two-bedroom property on a newly built storey.

The initial plans were called in by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council's Cllr Kieran Thorpe, who said: "If officers are minded to approve this application, I believe it should be called into the council's Development Management Committee.

"The additional nature of this application further to the previous approval given adds height to the development that to me outstrips that of the surrounding area and places increased pressures on limited parking."

An appeal has now been launched with the committee in the hopes of pushing the plans through.

"The proposals will result in the delivery of significant public realm enhancements, specifically through the delivery of the regeneration opportunity, increasing footfall within the area and provision of landscaping – all of which will benefit the local community," the planning application reads.

"The layout of the proposed additional fifth storey have been carefully conceived and designed to minimise impacts on the surrounding context in respect of amenity, privacy and outlook."