POPULAR restaurant chain Cote Brasserie has applied to Waverley Borough Council for a change of use to create a new outlet in Haslemere High Street’s old HSBC bank.

If approved, the opening hours would be 8am-11pm Monday to Friday; 9am-midnight on Saturdays; and 9am-10:30pm on Sundays.

The main changes sought in the proposed development primarily relate to internal works, to convert the old bank – which closed last summer – into a working restaurant.

Outside, the window frames will be painted in ‘Railings Grey’, the core brand colour of Cote Restaurants and the existing metal doors will be replaced with timber double doors painted the same colour.

A fully retractable traditional butcher’s awning is proposed for above the entrance.

Cote’s supporting statement said: “The proposed alterations should be viewed in context of the overall benefits of the proposals, which will bring back a vacant building back into viable use, increase the vitality and viability of Haslemere town centre, and boost the local job market and economy. It is for these reasons that the proposed development should be permitted.”