A Hitchin businessman has launched a campaign to help save office space after his company was threatened with plans to turn his base into a restaurant and flats.

Ivory Bar boss Carl Barton said: “There are planning applications at the moment threatening to remove a further 10,840 square feet from the centre of Hitchin forever. This follows the loss of 126,751.72 square feet over the last four years, equivalent to two football pitches. This is surely enough.”

Councillor Simon Harwood, who represents the Highbury ward, said: “There has been a sizeable response to the petition. With the interest generated I am now calling it in for an objective view.”

A planning application has been submitted to North Herts District Council to change the use of the Ivory Bar and Club, and the surrounding offices at Block B, Latchmore Court, Brand Street into 10 flats, with the club proposed to become a restaurant.

Mr Barton, who also began a petition to help save the popular venue, said: “More than 10,000 square feet of office space would be lost forever, including 45 jobs in the town centre – all for a few flats. Once it’s lost it’s lost forever.

“I would encourage people to have your say and ask your local councillor to protect residents and the town’s interests by signing the two petitions.”

To find the petitions, search ‘Save Hitchin’ on www.change.org.