PLANS to turn a World War II landmark at Kings Hill into a Costa Coffee have been given the green light.

The Grade II listed art deco-style control tower in Alexander Grove was used to guard the safety of pilots based at the West Malling Airfield during the war.

Work started in June 2012 to repair the building and now plans for a second branch of the coffee chain in the parish have been given the go-ahead.

The response from Kings Hill residents has been mixed with some welcoming the news while others say a second Costa is unnecessary and the control tower is not a suitable location.

But designers say the new shop will be sympathetic to the building’s art deco style.

A spokesman for Architecture Design Limited said: “Wait until you see it, we’ve spent a long time designing this – it’s completely different to the usual Costas.

“Nothing about our design is standard Costa spec for this unit; floating glass signs, solid oak floors, bespoke fixtures etc.”

Bosses say they hope to be on site in the next few weeks and estimate the shop will be open in about four weeks.