A former telephone exchange could be given a new lease of life as a small office.

The building, off the Ashford Road in Hollingbourne opposite Leeds Castle, has been left empty for years and is largely overgrown.

But its new owner, Anna Al-Shawi, from Bydews in Tovil, is seeking permission for a change of use for the building and a small extension to allow it to become a single-storey office, supported by a kitchenette and toilet.

Ms Al-Shawi is conscious of the rural character of the site and is to maintain as much of the existing greenery as possible. The design also incorporates brick-built bat boxes and bird boxes as well as a log pile and bug hotel to encourage wildlife.

The office would have parking for two cars, and a cycle rack.

The application can be viewed on Maidstone council's website, maidstone.gov.uk/.

Search for the application number 22/505768.