Independent carpet retailer Stephen James Hunt Carpets has seen an application to expand its showroom rejected.

The business, which is situated on Market Parade in High Wycombe, submitted an application to Buckinghamshire Council to create more showroom space by converting an existing storeroom.

The plans also included the installation of an external steel staircase and a new external entrance door to the existing first floor flat and the conversion of an existing double garage to form one flat.

However, the council rejected the proposals of converting the garage and store due to ‘cramped’ conditions.

A statement said: “The alterations to the access to the first floor flat would result in a narrow, cramped means of access between existing buildings with poor natural surveillance which would increase the risk and fear of crime.”