METRO Bank could be opening a branch in Basingstoke after submitting a planning application to the borough council.

The bank has asked for permission to convert unit 1-1A Chiswick House, in Festival Place and replace the shopfront.

The unit, in St John’s Square, is currently occupied by Greggs, and as part of the plans the bakery would relocate to a larger and more efficient unit next to the Metro Bank.

The site also includes a vacant unit recently occupied by Stacks.

The application states: “The proposed site meets Metro Bank’s key locational and operational requirements in a town centre location and will deliver significant and economic enhancement to this prominent location.”

The new branch would create up to 25 new banking jobs.

It is not the first time Metro Bank has tried to move to the town.

In 2013 the bank received planning permission from the borough council to change the use of a unit occupied by Robert Dyas in The Malls.

But boss of the hardware store, Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis, reacted angrily to the news when it appeared in The Gazette, and management confirmed the store would not be moving.

Taking to Twitter, Mr Paphitis said: “So new bank same attitude as the old guard @Metro_Bank keep your hands off @RobertDyas Basingstoke shop – you have let yourselves down!”

It is not known whether Metro Bank has permission from Greggs to takeover its current premises.

Metro Bank’s application said the proposals represent a “significant investment” in the town centre location adding: “Metro Bank’s commitment to Basingstoke is reflected in the commercial agreement, which covers a 25 year period, demonstrating the new store will be a long term commitment to the town.”

It said the bank has a “longstanding requirement for a new store in Basingstoke and the proposals have arisen following a thorough search of potential opportunity sites”.

Metro Bank is the only High Street retail bank open seven days a week with longer trading hours than traditional banks, opening from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm on Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sundays and bank holidays.