There are plans to turn Papa John's in Stevenage High Street into a two-bedroom flat.

The plans also include converting the roof space of the garage at the rear of the site into a one-bedroom studio flat, by changing the gable roof into a modern mansard to obtain additional head room, and adding three dormer windows.

The Grade II-listed building currently occupied by pizza chain Papa John's was built in 1877 and is within a conservation area.

The current lease is nearing expiry. Earlier this month, Papa John's announced the closure of up to 100 locations across the UK this year.

Plans by Craft & Sons – a family run business specialising in the maintenance and restoration of listed and traditional buildings - for the Stevenage High Street building include repairing and restoring the existing green-painted timberwork, before painting it dark grey.

A statement submitted to Stevenage Borough Council along with the planning application says: "The changes made by Papa John’s could be considered harmful to the listed building. The proposals to remove their branding, restore the timberwork and paint it dark grey, along with adding new sash windows to match the windows above, would have a beneficial impact on the listed building."

It continues: "The national policy states that generally the best way of securing the upkeep of historic buildings and areas is to keep them in active use. The current commercial tenancy is coming to an end, with no extension plans in place.

"The change of use into residential will be a more viable long-term use class and help contribute towards meeting the town centre housing demands."