AN EMPTY unit at the Top of Town could be transformed into a new bar and restaurant after plans were given the go-ahead.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has approved plans to change the former Lloyds Bank, in Winchester Street, into Vaultz Bar Restaurant.

The proposals were put forward by Ernie Phelps, who is the current owner of Plush Lounge Bar, in Wote Street.

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He wants to convert the basement and ground floor of the property which have remained empty for almost four years after Lloyds Bank closed.

The upstairs of the building was recently brought back into use when Tot City – a role-play centre for children – opened last year.

Read more: TotCity coming to Basingstoke opening in former Lloyds Bank unit

The borough council has also granted a premises licence for the venue, to open the bar and restaurant from Monday to Saturday between 11.30am and 2am, and on Sundays from 11.30am to 12.30am.

Environmental health officers were consulted on the proposals and did not raise any objections to the applicant’s proposed opening hours.

However, officers recommended that the use of an outdoor terraced area at the rear of the building is only used between the hours of 12pm to 11pm.

It said: “This is to minimise disturbance to nearby residents.”