Plans to convert a town centre jewellers into a beauty salon have been approved, despite nearly 200 objections.

An application was submitted in October to transform the now-closed Ace of Diamonds in Gabriels Hill in Maidstone into a nail studio.

The 70 sq m property, built in 1876, has been vacant since the jewellers closed last year.

It had previously been Moda Hair Salon, wedding retailer Number Eighteen, and clothing brand The 44 Store.

However, the three-storey, terraced building is now set to become a nail salon after a proposal, submitted by Thi Kim Tuyen Le, to convert its ground floor was approved by Maidstone council.

The name of the business will be Lux Nails.

The application, though, has caused a lot of dispute online.

More than 190 people have commented on the plans – with many against the development.

It comes after a beautician and a barber told KentOnline their businesses were suffering due to the number of similar businesses opening up in our high streets.

One person, Olivia Seager, explained: “I think the installation of another nail shop in Gabriels Hill is stupid.

“There are already so many in the area, so this could potentially cause businesses to plummet.

“And, as a member of society, it would discourage me to walk down the Hill as it would lose its vibe.”

Samantha Fisher echoed Miss Seager’s thoughts.

She added: “I’ve lived in Maidstone for over 15 years and have noticed a decline in reputation dramatically.

“There’s a lack of diversity in stores and businesses, but the amount of salons is overwhelming.

“We for sure don’t need another one.”

The salon is to be open seven days a week – on Monday to Saturday from 9am until 7pm, and from 11am until 5pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

One full-time and two part-time members of staff will be employed at the shop.