TWO highly regarded London chefs have pulled plans to open a restaurant and wine bar in former Barclays bank on the Herefordshire border.

James and Emma Faulks, who have worked in the capital for the last 20 years, including at their own restaurant for the last 10, recently moved to the Hay-on-Wye area with their young family.

A planning application submitted to the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority revealed the pair wanted to turn the old Barclays bank in Broad Street into a new restaurant – but the application has now been withdrawn.

Plans showed the restaurant would have incorporated food-related retail, and the application included new signs and a small extension.

A design and access statement said: "Barclays Bank has been acquired by Mr and Mrs Faulks who have recently moved to the area with their young family.

"Mr and Mrs Faulks are both highly regarded chefs and have worked in London for the past 20 years, last 10 of which were at their own establishment 'Magdalen' in London Bridge.

"The plan for the old bank is a simple restaurant/wine bar led by the seasons. A place for a proper meal or a drink and a snack at the bar."

Hereford Times: The Barclays branch in Hay-on-Wye closed in 2018 The Barclays branch in Hay-on-Wye closed in 2018

The statement added the without the investment, the building could "quickly fall into disrepair", but the authority's website showed the plans had been withdrawn without explanation.

Barclays announced in June 2018 that it was going to close its branch in Hay-on-Wye, leaving the border town without a bank.

Among representations made to the authority after the plans were submitted in March was Hay Town Council.

Councillors did not object, but reminded planners that the "Hay Town Plan" was adopted as supplementary planning guidance and showed a want for a balanced mix of retail uses in the town centre.