A china supplier has been given the green light to set up shop in a well-known Snodland snooker hall.

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has approved China Chaps’ request to change the use of the former cinema and Savoy Social and Snooker Club, in High Street, and make minor alterations to the site.

More windows will now be installed on the building’s facade, with rolling shutters put in place to accommodate deliveries.

Low cost housing is also proposed for the first floor of the 1930s property, which has been empty for more than a year, to address the shortfall in the area.

Businesses owner Mickey Perry, 27, snapped the historic property up at auction in April and announced the 5,300 sq ft of floorspace will be used as a Ikea-style warehouse-cum-shop.

Cllr Anne Moloney welcomed Mr Perry’s purchase saying: "I’m delighted that the building is finally going to be put to use as it has a lot of potential."

The store, which employs nine people and was opened in the town’s Holborough Road six years ago, is set to move to its new premises in August.