THE identity of a major restaurant chain which wants to open up in the centre of Malvern could be revealed next week.

An application to convert empty shop and office premises on Belle Vue Terrace will be going before Malvern Hills District Council planners on Wednesday.

The application has been made by MML Malvern Ltd, acting through investment company Severn Capital, but the identity of the chain has not yet been revealed. However, rumour has named the Italian chain Prezzo.

Councillors are being recommended to approve the application, which also includes creating 11 flats on the building's upper floors. Approval would be conditional on satisfactory arrangements being made to control kitchen odours.

Severn Capital director Damien Siviter said this week that if the plan is approved, he hopes that he can name the restaurant chain.

The meeting of the southern area development control committee is at 7pm in the Council Chamber, Avenue Road.