Costa Coffee is officially coming to Sandgate – and it will be the only national brand to sit among a string of independent businesses.

A planning application submitted to Shepway District Council has asked for permission to overhaul the front of the former Bar Vasa on the Esplanade.

It is proposed that alterations are made to the facade, including replacement windows and doors, together with the erection of a new boundary wall.

The application says that window and door frames will be “umbrella grey” which is consistent with the Costa branding in its other branches.

The cafe will be spread over two floors.

Members of the Shepway council planning committee have yet to make a decision on the proposal, but a statement on the council’s online planning portal says it will endeavour to do so by Thursday, February 9.

It has been put forward by the largest Costa Coffee franchise in the UK, Goldex.

Bar Vasa, once a popular nightspot, was sold in May last year for £245,000 at a sale held by auctioneer Clive Emson.

Before its closure the site had been rebranded as The Deck @ Bar Vasa. It was left derelict for several months following its closure.

Costa Coffee had responded to rumours in August by saying it was “evaluating options” in Sandgate, but never confirmed residents’ speculations.

It has already opened its doors in Folkestone town centre, Hythe and New Romney High Streets, making this the fourth outlet in Shepway district.

A date has yet to be set for the opening.