A Georgian-style bistro could open in Ashford town centre, filling part of the former Merchant Chandler unit.

The North Street building is Grade II-listed but developers say it is 'rotting away' and is in need of repairs to restore it to its former glory.

The site, which more recently became The Collection Ashford, would be split to make space for the bistro as well as a multi-cuisine restaurant if two separate planning applications are approved.

Called Itaca's, the bistro would create five new jobs and see the ceilings restored and marble and wooden floors introduced.

The shopfront currently has two Georgian pillars which bosses hope to keep and restore while creating two new replicas.

Four of the internal walls would be removed to open up the space, while a new wall would be created to make room for new toilet facilities.

Applicant Charlie Banyard said: "We have been in contact with Historic England and we propose to restore this building to a traditional look with coving and Georgian styles throughout – complemented with white and gold paints.

"This is one of the first buildings seen on North Street when walking down the high street and we think this traditional look will highlight the building's original feel and keep the traditional look of North Street and complement the cobbled street.

"Overall we propose to highlight all of the details found in the original building and to restore it to a traditional Georgian feeling – for all within Ashford and the surrounding areas to enjoy."

In the adjacent part of the building, Fusion multi-cuisine restaurant and takeaway hopes to have 22 seats and serve a variety of foods from fish and chips, Italian pizzas and Indian masala to name a few.

The AJW-CS Property Services Company, which has submitted the application on its client’s behalf, says the changes “will have a beneficial effect on the building and will not detract from the historic character and significance of the Ashford conservation area”.

Elsewhere in town, the abandoned Old Prince of Wales in New Street is being turned into an Afro-Caribbean restaurant alongside a number of other projects.