THE former Nat West Bank in Knutsford looks set to be converted into a restaurant and bar with a rooftop terrace.

The closure of the branch, in August last year, left the town without a bank.

Applicant VJH Ltd says the historic features of the listed King Street property will be preserved but the building requires significant internal modifications to be re-purposed as a restaurant and bar.

A design and access statement submitted by Mold Design Lab to Cheshire East Council on behalf of the applicant states: “The ground floor will be converted into a restaurant and bar area.

“The layout will retain the building’s historic features, including the original brick walls and window placements, while introducing contemporary elements like modern lighting, furniture, and bar fittings.”

It adds: “A portion of the first-floor roof will be converted into a rooftop terrace, accessible from the rear of the building.

“The terrace will provide outdoor seating for patrons, with views of Knutsford’s historic townscape.

“The design of the terrace will be sensitive to the surrounding buildings, ensuring that it does not dominate the existing roofline or disrupt the visual harmony of the street.”

The basement will house the kitchen and technical rooms.

The property is situated in a row of largely Georgian-style buildings.

A heritage statement submitted with the application says: “The development plans include maintaining the historic façade of the building.

“The rooftop terrace will be designed to minimise its visual impact from street level, ensuring that it does not detract from the historic character of the building or the surrounding conservation area.”

The planning application, number 24/3266M, can be viewed on the planning portal on Cheshire East Council’s website.

The last date for submitting comments is October 17 and the application is due to be determined by planning officers under delegated authority.