A former town centre bank is set to be turned into a new Indian restaurant.

If given the green light, the former RBS bank in High Street, Maidstone, would turn into a new eatery.

The site will be in Jubilee Square next to Nala Bheemas, formerly Reddys Indian Cuisine, and be called Mallus.

Planning documents for a metallic black sign sent to Maidstone Borough Council reveal it will be "authentic Keala cuisine", which is a culinary style originated in the Kerala, a state on the southwestern Malabar Coast of India.

Initial designs show proposals for about 11 tables which could seat 45 people, as well as a lobby, service area and manager's office.

The four-storey building was originally built in 1855 and made a Grade II listed building in 1974. It is described as holding a "great significance" to the character and history of the surrounding area due to being larger than some of the other buildings in Jubilee Square.

A design statement for the plans concluded: "As very little of the historical character remains internally, we are presented with opportunity to reconfigure and better utilise the application site for multiple use.

"The proposal would greatly benefit the local community by providing much-needed diverse cuisines in the area..."

"Alongside sympathetic cleaning, repairing, and upgrading of the existing internal fabric, the unit can enhance the building and have a beneficial impact on the surrounding area.

"Above all, it is considered the proposal would greatly benefit the local community by providing much-needed diverse cuisines in the area.

"As the population within the area grows and diversifies, the increase in demand will be appropriately met by an appealing new restaurant for the public to enjoy.

"The highly decorative street facing exterior of the building will see no change and maintain the overall character of the street."

If given the go ahead, Mallus would operate as an eat-in restaurant and a takeaway.

In 2018 a homeless man was found dead outside the former bank.

You can view the plans here.

Use reference 23/500123/ADV for the specific proposals.