The county's first five-star spa hotel will be built in Maidstone after a unanimous decision at a council planning meeting last night.

The application for the £5.7m development was lodged by owner of Week Street's Mu Mu bar, Ciaran O'Quigley.

Two historic buildings and an area of unused land will now be turned into a 36-room boutique hotel, with bar, restaurant and spa called Hotel Mu Mu.

The area of development centres around the former Jag Dance Studios on Brewer Street and nearby derelict buildings.

Cllr Dave Naghi attended Maidstone Borough Council's meeting in support of the proposal, with the committee immediately agreeing with the planning officer's recommendation of approval.

Mr O'Quigley, who has run Mu Mu for 24 years, has previously described the concept as "Claridge's meets Willy Wonka," and said he wants to create a luxurious hotel to challenge the world's best and put Maidstone back on the map.

The 48-year-old, who lives in Barming, is working with architect Simon Judd and former Rolling Stones set designer Jeff Meades to deliver the project.

Speaking this morning he said: "I want to thank Maidstone Borough Council and its planning department. The council can get a lot of stick but has been very brave in making this decision in the face of some objections.

"They have a very strong commitment to making the town centre more upmarket. Sometimes people think they are sitting back and not doing anything but they are.

"It's a brave decision, a good decision and the right one for the town."

He added: "I believe this could be the number one hotel in the UK."

A 1930s speakeasy theme is planned, with two library-style lounge areas and a retro cinema. The spa will feature a swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam rooms, mud chambers and 10 treatment rooms.

The proposal was met with largely positive feedback although the objections of Historic England and the local Conservation Officer meant the application went to committee.

Historic England felt the status quo was preferable, with the development having a negative impact on the context of nearby Grade II* listed Grove House and also "destroying" other buildings of note.

Work will involve knocking down the derelict St Francis' School building and replacing it with a new building. Money will be donated to St Francis' Church to build a new hall.

Construction is expected to take 18 months and Mr O'Quigley hopes it will start in early January.

The full application can be viewed here.