PLANS have been revealed to open a new cafe and bakery in an old bank in the centre of Cirencester. 

A planning application has been submitted as part of plans to open a Cornish Bakery at the former HSBC building in the Market Place.

Proposals include installing new signage, planters and awnings. 

The application was put forward to Cotswold District Council by applicant and Cornish Bakery founder Steve Grocutt on Thursday, August 1.

HSBC officials decided to shut the bank in August last year, following “a drop” in branch usage.

The closure was announced as part of a nationwide round of 114 branch closures - more than a quarter of the bank's network.

Meanwhile, Cornish Bakery was originally set up back in 1994.

According to its website, the business describes itself as an eat-in or take-out bakery with Cornish roots.

The new eatery would be the third Cornish Bakery to open in the county - with sites already open in Cheltenham and Gloucester Quays.

A planning document reads: “Cornish Bakery are in discussion with the landlord to secure the lease of the ground floor and basement space to create a bakery and café. 

“In doing so they are proposing to apply new signage to the existing shopfront including a projecting sign at high level and awnings.

“The building - purpose built as a bank - has stood for more than a century. 

“We believe that the signage proposal will serve to enhance the overall stature of the building along with the local ‘streetscape’. 

It continues: “Given the minor works and positive impact of the proposal we are hopeful that the council are minded to grant planning permission.”

The grade II building has stood for more than a century and is situated on the corner of the Market Place and Cricklade Street in Cirencester.

It was formerly known as Midland Bank before HSBC acquired the business in 1992. 

The Historic England official list entry states the building dates back to 1915.

You can view the application quoting 24/02138/LBC or see here - tinyurl.com/jhw8djft