FLATS and a restaurant are among a host of options being pursued by the Maidstone council for the future use of one of the county town's most historic gems.

The council has begun marketing the Master's House in College Road in the hope of attracting a business to take on the building, recognised as a scheduled ancient monument - one rank above a Grade I listing.

The council considers the medieval building, near All Saints' Church, suitable for offices, an art gallery, catering and banqueting.

Hopes of finding a new future for the former base of Kent Music School follow the collapse of plans to convert the building into a house for the Bishop of Maidstone.

The council had discussed plans with the Diocese of Canterbury to move the bishop from his present home in Charing, but the Church pulled out after surveys showed estimated costs running into thousands of pounds.

The issue of finding a future for the house became more urgent earlier this year when Kent Music School moved into new headquarters in Hastings Road, Maidstone.

Maidstone council's cabinet has agreed to begin marketing the Master's House ruled out turning the building into a wine bar or pub.

Cllr Dan Daley (Lib Dem) said: "I would hate to see this very, very important building lose out on an opportunity for an exciting future."