A salon boss says a new development will breathe life into part of a Kent high street she believes “doesn’t really offer anything”.

Abigail Adams, 22, who owns Capelli Hairdressers in New Romney, has put forward proposals for a two-storey building on land at the side and rear of the business.

It would include a cafe on the ground floor and a two-bedroom flat above, facing onto the West Street Car Park.

Ms Adams has owned the hairdressers for the past three years and now believes it is the “right time” to expand and “offer something new” to the area.

"I feel like our part of the High Street doesn't really offer anything,” she explained.

“It needs a place for the community where you can just chill, eat and chat.

“We think it's quite important for a safe space and good food as well."

The planning application has been submitted to Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC).

If approved, the new cafe will complement the hairdressing business, with customers able to relax with a coffee before or after their appointments.

Ms Adams says the hair salon will continue operating as usual during construction.

Describing her vision for the cafe, she explained: "Ideally, we'd like it to be quite wholesome, organic, healthier.

“It won’t be your classic greasy spoon. It's going to be a really nice environment.

“We want to offer healthy, home-cooked, fresh, organic food – not processed."

The proposed two-storey building has been designed to fit in with the existing architecture of the Conservation Area, using brick and tiled roofing similar to the current structure.

It will be set back from, and lower than, the existing two-storey salon to blend “harmoniously” into its surroundings, according to the planning documents. Three parking spaces will be created.

The western end of New Romney High Street, where Capelli Hairdressers is located, currently has fewer amenities than the other end - something Ms Adams hopes to change.

"Our end of the high street is quite limited," she said.

"We’ve got a pub, a barber, a nail shop, and an Indian restaurant, but not much else.

“It would be nice to bring more people to this side of the high street."

Capelli Hairdressers has been a fixture of New Romney for 40 years, previously under different owners.

Ms Adams is keen to continue building its reputation while expanding the business.

"It’s a big part of the high street," she said.

"We try to make it welcoming to people of all ages.

“We've built up a lot of new customers, and many of them ask where they can go for lunch nearby.

"All we get from our customers is: ‘Do you know anywhere good for lunch?’ We want to be that place."

A decision on the application is set to be made by FHDC by April 14.