A former high street jewellers could become a convenience store.

Plans have been submitted to Swale council to make the changes to what used to be a branch of H Samuel in Sittingbourne.

The national retailer had been at 45 High Street, opposite the town’s Methodist church, for more than 18 years.

It closed in January 2019, just eight months after the jewellery chain shut its store in Sheerness High Street.

Now the unit, which has remained empty ever since, could be home to SM Supermarket.

Planning documents show designs for its shopfront, indicating it would feature an off licence and sell lottery tickets, groceries and be a PayPoint location.

A heritage statement submitted with the plans said: “[The] Shop front change will have a minor impact on the street scene, however, layout remains same.

“The proposal makes the site bright and lively.”

A design statement added: “The application represents a well-considered proposal incorporating a good use of a site within the area and without compromising the amenities of local residents and other people using and enjoying the area.”

Three applications relating to 45 High Street have been submitted – one for the new signs, one to alter the shopfront and a third seeking listed building consent for the changes to the front.

When H Samuel closed its Sittingbourne branch in 2019 the retailer had around 290 stores in the UK.

That number is now about 168.

H Samuel is owned by Signet Jewelers, which also owns the Ernest Jones jewellery brand.

Its remaining Kent stores are at Bluewater, Chatham, Maidstone and Hempstead Valley.