Eye-catching plans to build 14 flats above a new shop or restaurant in Ashford are set to get the go-ahead.

Developers want to extend the Trafalgar House building at the bottom of Bank Street, close to the junction with Elwick Road.

They hope to build a six-storey corner extension, with space on the ground floor for a shop or restaurant and 14 one-bedroom flats above.

Ashford Borough Council’s planning committee is set to approve the plans at a meeting tonight.

Council officer Llywelyn Lloyd recommended the scheme for approval, saying: “The proposal would update a tired looking building, which currently has a negative visual impact on the character and appearance of the street, and the character of the adjacent conservation area.

“The proposed shop frontage design takes its lead from those approved as part of the cinema and hotel complex at Elwick Place and would therefore complement that development and help create a harmonious whole.

“I consider the general layout and design is well designed and would result in a high quality development on a very small brownfield site.”

Bosses at OSG Architecture have drawn up the plans on behalf of the Shaptor Capital company and director Jason Chandler said the scheme ties in well with the existing Trafalgar House building, which has been refurbished and turned into apartments.

The majority of the new flats will contain large balconies overlooking Elwick Square with glazed balustrades.

The former Money Shop and Ashford Tool Centre buildings have already been knocked down to make way for the development but no car parking space is offered with the scheme.