Plans to turn a former Primark into flats, offices, a restaurant and mixed retail has been given the thumbs up by the council.

The application to renovate the building in Margate High Street was submitted in August and was approved last week.

The planning documents show plans to retain the commercial space fronting the High Street and Marine Drive at upper and lower ground floor levels.

Changes will be made to the first floor for residential use and a two-storey roof extension, with 11 flats being installed - five three-bed, four two-bed and two three-bed maisonettes.

A design and access statement made on SIR Investment's behalf by GPM2 Design said: "This application relates to the former Primark building, an important landmark building in Margate conservation area, fronting both High Street and Marine Drive, overlooking the seafront and harbour.

"The building dates from the mid-20th century and has Art Deco influences in its design."

With openings on both sides of the building on Marine Drive and the High Street, the bar and restaurant will be accessible from Marine Drive and retail from the High Street.

Thanet council's planning officer's report states: "The building has been vacant for a number of years, but its previous use was retail with associated offices and stores.

"The change of use to a mix use of retail, restaurant, drinking establishment, offices together with residential to the upper floors has the potential to cause some noise and disturbance to both surrounding occupiers and the proposed occupiers of the upper floors of the application site.

"It should, however, be noted that the building is located in a High Street/seaside location with its mix of uses, where some noise and disturbance above that experienced in a purely residential area is expected."