Plans to convert a recently reopened restaurant into flats look set to be approved.

Spice Lounge in Coxheath, Maidstone, closed in June after a fall in business, but reopened in October for the run up to Christmas.

Owner Anha Ali said earlier this year: "With the residential developments in Coxheath, the general expectation would be that demand for the restaurant would remain strong.

"Unfortunately, in the last two years patterns and spending habits seem to have changed, with a general decline in the use of the restaurant. In the first half of 2019 use of the restaurant for dining in is very poor.

"We would easily do over 100 covers on a Saturday night but in recent times we have seen this drop significantly with average dining in at 40/50 covers on a Saturday night.

Now it looks like 14 flats, specifically for over 55s, will be given the go ahead.

Planning officers have recommended Maidstone Borough Council's planning committee approve the application at a meeting on Thursday.

Cllr Lottie Parfitt-Read called in the decision, saying the village would lose a valuable community facility.

The Coxheath and Hunton ward councillor said: "The Spice Lounge is one of Coxheath’s community assets, more so given that there is no longer a village pub.

"Claiming it isn’t viable as a restaurant flies in the face of the evidence and should have been picked up the Council’s planning officers. Maidstone’s Local Plan policies are very explicit about protecting such facilities in Coxheath, so its not unreasonable of me to insist they are protected.

“Coxheath has no shortage of accommodation for the elderly, none of which is at capacity. So dressing this block of flats up as OAP accommodation is highly disingenuous. It should be clear from a mile off that this planning application is little more than a straight money-grab at the expense of the residents of Coxheath."

Mr Ali said takeaways were still a popular option for families, but the size of the restaurant meant it couldn't rely upon them solely.

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