A new bowling alley has been given approval to open in a former tourist attraction dedicated to the world of Charles Dickens.

Change of use permission has been granted by Medway Council allowing the old Dickens World venue at Chatham Dockside to be converted.

Joining the bowling lanes will be KFC, Costa and Kaspa's desserts outlets after approval was also given for new signage paving the way for empty units to be opened.

A planning application requesting redesignation of the Dickens World site was submitted in June after owners said they had "attracted interest from new operators".

The main space taken up by the Dickensian attraction, which closed in 2016, would house the bowling alley on the site off Leviathan Way.

The original planning decision allowing Dickens World – next to Nando's – to open did not allow a business like a bowling alley or coffee shop to open because it did not have the right type of classification.

But council planning officers have now said the site can be converted offering the new leisure facility.

A report published said officers "considered the proposed change is appropriate for this area".

The document says it considered the impact to other amenities in Chatham town centre and would "not have a significant impact to highways or parking".

It is yet to be confirmed when the new bowling alley, KFC, Costa and Kaspa's will be opening.

A second application requested permission for illuminated signs to promote the new dining and drinking offer for the adjoining units.

Planning officers said "the signage is acceptable in terms of size, siting, colour, design and scale" adding its appearance did not create "visual clutter".

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