A landmark town centre building is set to be demolished following an historic decision by planners.

They have approved the demolition of the former Army and Navy building in Week Street, Maidstone, and given the go-ahead for a replacement five storey building.

It will incldue shops and cafes on the two lower floors, with three floors of flats above them.

While the idea to replace the now derelict 1930s building was widely applauded as good news for Week Street, there was not unanimous support for the proposed new building.

Cllr Tony Harwood (Lib Dem) told Maidstone council's planning committee on Thursday that to approve the building was a “betrayal” of the people of Maidstone.

He said: “I believe a site of this scale in the town centre demands an excellent quality of design; I’m afraid we have not got that.

“We sell ourselves too cheaply” he added. “You should have an excellent development here.”

However Cllr Chris Garland (Con) said the designers had done an “extremely good job”, adding: “What we have is a golden opportunity to improve this part of town.”

• Planners gave the go-ahead for the demolition of old school buildings at New Line Learning, Oldborough School, Boughton Lane, Maidstone; and approved plans for the new NLL Academy.

• See next week’s Kent Messenger for the full story.