PLANS to turn a vacant bank building into a restaurant have been given the go-ahead.

The change of use application for the former HSBC premises on Main Street, Frodsham, was approved by Cheshire West and Chester Council yesterday.

The new venture – Main Street Kitchen – will create eight jobs, with three full-time roles and five part-time positions.

The applicant Abelines Geldenhuys has also been given the green light for a two-bedroom flat on the first floor as part of the scheme.

Main Street Kitchen's opening hours will be 8am until 11pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10am until 10pm on Sundays and public holidays.

The application states: "The scheme intends to create a 50 cover restaurant. Kitchen facilities are proposed to the rear of the building below the flat roof single storey element.

"To the frontage and within the original banking hall, a service counter and table area is to be installed.

"At first floor, a two bed flat is proposed, with independent access from the east elevation via an existing doorway and via a pre-existing staircase.

"The accommodation provides two bedrooms, independent kitchen living accommodation and family bathroom."

No objections or comments were received in relation to the application.

In a report recommending approval, council case officer Edward Shepherd states: "The unit is currently a vacant A2 use, with an extant permission to change into a flexible shop/financial or restaurant use.

"This proposal would not result in the loss of a retail use. The restaurant use would contribute to the vitality and viability of the primary shopping area, maintaining a shop front at ground floor.

"Furthermore, it is noted that the use as a restaurant would be acceptable under permitted development given all uses constitute class E as such, in this instance the change of the ground floor unit is not considered to be unacceptable.

"Visually, the development would positively contribute to the centres historical and cultural identity."