A developer hopes to build an extra floor above a café to create a studio flat.

An application to add an extra storey above Village Café at 147 Highgate Road has been submitted to Camden Council.

The distinctive two-storey cafe is flanked by taller buildings, and the plans would see a second floor as well as the addition of a first floor rear extension.

Planning documents state that the café has been unable to operate since 2021 due to “structural concerns within the building”.

The rear extension would be added to an existing disused flat to increase the available living area.

A separate studio apartment would be located in the upward extension above.

Original plans appear to suggest a third floor was initially proposed for the building, but the development has since been scaled back.

They add that “the applicant's vision is to preserve the building's original character and architectural elements, while undertaking necessary structural improvements".

The application states that the new plans aim to help with the “revitalisation” of the café, allowing a similar business to reopen in the space.

Comments on the application (2023/1885/P) can be made on Camden Council’s planning portal until August 27.