A popular organic food store could expand to take over next door.

Infinity Foods in North Road, Brighton, has developed a loyal following for its fresh bread, health and fair trade goods and locally grown fruit and vegetables.

It was set up in 1970, opened its own co-operative cafe in 1998 and has become one of the leading wholesalers of organic produce in the country.

Now it is set to enlarge its flagship store in the North Laine by buying the old Sussex Fitted Kitchens and employing four more full-time staff.

The business is applying for planning permission to link the two shops and put in a new communal entrance.

Eliz Ridout from Infinity said: "It is just so intensely busy in here all the time, it is constantly overcrowded.

"It is not really an economic expansion. The idea is to expand so we can tidy the place up and give customers more room in the aisles.

"Hopefully the single entrance will also make it easier for people to get in or out, especially if they have buggies or wheelchairs. It is long overdue."

The plans, which will be decided by Brighton and Hove City Council, mean removing the existing entrances near a busy pedestrian crossing and creating a new one on the corner of Gardner Street.

The new doors will have disabled access and aim to reduce the traffic hazard currently created by customers and passers-by being pushed together on the narrow pavement.

Proposals also include the reinstatement of Victorian architecture details to reflect the original 1890s character.