A former bakery could be transformed into a town centre’s 13th beauty salon.

A planning application has now been submitted to turn Ye Old Carvery in Middle Row, Ashford, into a beauty parlour providing manicures, facials and massages.

Artist’s impressions have been released which show beds and chairs set up in treatment rooms, as well as a reception area.

Applicant Musa Aykac, who is from the town, told Ashford Borough Council in a letter: “I believe that our beauty salon will be a valuable addition to the community, offering top-notch services without compromising the comfort or environment of our neighbours “

Other treatments provided in the salon would include eyelashes and pedicures.

Mr Aykac’s letter assured the council that the business would not provide acrylic nail services, which are usually associated with strong odours. He said any products used would not give off strong or lasting smells.

He also assured that the salon was not expected to cause significant increases in traffic or parking, stressing there would be a steady flow of visiting clients, primarily by appointment.

The letter added: “Our salon is committed to providing a tranquil and serene experience for our clients.

“This means our operations are inherently quiet and we will take measures to ensure noise is kept to a minimum, posing no disturbance to nearby residents or businesses.”

The bid also includes listed building consent to remove an internal wall and plastic beams and replace with spotlights.

But the proposed new business would face stiff competition with 12 nail and beauty salons already in the town precinct.

In the High Street they are Christophes Hair & Beauty, Cheri Nail Bar, Yuma Hair & Beauty, Hollywood Nails, Kevin & Pink’s Nail Bar, Nail Forever and Luxury Nails.

In Bank Street, just off the High Street, they are Nail Lounge, Forever 21 and A1 Nails.

And in nearby North Street there is Goddess and in New Rents, near the top of town, there is Rae’s Salon.

Another is expected to open in Bank Street, in the former Buzz Hair unit.

The building for Mr Aykac’s prospective salon is in a conservation area and all three of its floors would be used.

In contrast, the bakery had a tiny shop floor, with queues having to stretch onto the pavement when it was busy with customers.

Ye Old Carvery vacated last March when the lease ran out, but relaunched a month later a few yards away at 51 the High Street and was renamed the Tucked Away Take Away.

The original premises, at 13 Middle Row, was put up for auction in September and sold for £82,000.

The sale was handled by Clive Emson auctioneers and the purchase figure was just above the maximum guide price of £80,000.

A decision for the new salon is expected in January.