A bid to open a late-night bar and restaurant in Margate High Street has won the support of council officers.

Plans are in to convert an empty shop into a ground floor nightspot with a computer gaming centre in the basement, with opening hours of 7am to 1.30am.

The 19th century building, at 59 High Street, was previously occupied by Thanet Bedz.

Planning permission has recently been granted to convert three floors above it into nine apartments.

To the rear, the site opens onto a small courtyard shared by a number of properties fronting the High Street and Cecil Square.

In a council report, case officer Duncan Fitt said: “The proposed development would bring back into use a vacant shop in the core town centre of Margate with no significant impact upon the character and appearance of the conservation area.

“Subject to the imposition of the recommended conditions it is considered that there would be no significant harm to the living conditions of any neighbouring residential property occupiers’ living conditions and it is there recommended that members approve this application.”

A decision on the proposal is due to made next Wednesday by Thanet District Council’s planning committee, at the request of ward councillor Iris Johnston.

The Margate central ward councillor believes there to be an issue with fire exits.

“As ward councillor I often call in applications, including those I support,” she said.

“I am very pleased this building is being brought back into use. The issue I personally raised was on fire exits.

“I felt the doors needed to be wider and a further exit route at the rear.

“Officers advised this would be a building control issue and the applicant’s representative took on my comments and I understand that this was being addressed.

“It is gaming rather than gambling I am advised, and that would probably be in keeping with the High Street.”

Following concerns raised by environmental health officers, a noise limiter and an enhanced acoustic ceiling will be installed at the bar,

The application states that any noise from the gaming centre facilities will be limited by the use of headphones.