A long-running antique furniture shop which was mistakenly stormed by police during a raid could be knocked down and turned into flats.

Bracewell's Vintage and Design in Hythe Road, Ashford, closed in July when former owner David Bracewell sold up after 40 years trading.

The new owners, MDM Planning Limited, have now submitted an application to knock down the three-storey building and the rear warehouse to make way for 25 new flats.

If approved, the store will be replaced by a new building containing a mix of one and two-bed studio units across three floors.

The site currently has a car park with five spaces to the front and 10 to the back which will not change.

Bike stores will be added to encourage more people to cycle.

In 2020, 12 officers raided the store causing almost £2,000 worth of damage.

The force had been told that cannabis may be growing at the property - but the information was found to be “inaccurate” when they entered the address.

Police apologised to Mr Bracewell and repaired the damage, but the shop owner said it damaged his reputation so badly, he lost heart and decided to sell up.

After hearing the news on the flats, the 74-year-old from Mersham said he feels it is a great idea as "Ashford could do with the homes".

He said: "Good luck to them, it can't stay as it is, flats are the way forward.

"I don't think anyone could afford to turn it into a shop.

"It was devastating after the raid. That's when I lost heart in the business..."

"Online made it very difficult to carry on and there's much better alternatives in retail parks now.

"It was very difficult to get people to come there and I had been there since 1982.

"If they do it tastefully, it could really add value to the area.

"It was devastating after the raid.

"That's when I lost heart in the business. People still thought there’s no smoke without fire so it was terrible for our reputation."