Bakery eyes move to town

An award-winning independent artisan bakery chain wants to expand into Maidstone.

Finch House Cafe and Bakery has applied for permission to convert the unit at 82 Week Street now occupied by Outlet Store.

The company, which was set up in Tonbridge in 2011, opened its Orpington branch in 2015 and wants to create a third venue in the County Town.

The business won an accolade in the 2016 Kent Excellence in Business Awards and offers cakes, lunches and coffee.

The Maidstone branch would accommodate some 90 diners but not offer table service.

Unless the application is called before Maidstone Borough Council’s (MBC) planning committee, a delegated decision is expected to be taken by officers.