UNPOPULAR plans to build more than 20 flats above a shop in Potters Bar town centre have been thrown out by councillors. The application, which received 15 objections, centred around the demolition and redevelopment of the third storey of 195 Darkes Lane,

UNPOPULAR plans to build more than 20 flats above a shop in Potters Bar town centre have been thrown out by councillors.

The application, which received 15 objections, centred around the demolition and redevelopment of the third storey of 195 Darkes Lane, a building which also houses bedding store Dreams.

Under the plans, which were drawn up by JDW Architects of Abergavenny, a fourth storey would also have been added to provide for 23 self-contained flats, with associated parking, bin and cycle storage.

In refusing the application, councillors sitting on Hertsmere Borough Council's Potters Bar and Shenley planning committee decided the development "did not provide for adequate amenity space for future occupants of the flats".

They also expressed concerns at the lack of car parking and delivery space and the paucity of information with regards to the storage and collection of refuse and recycling.

It is not known if the developer will appeal the council's decision.