When internet entrepreneur Simon Coulson heard the farm where Darling Buds of May was filmed was for sale, he thought it was "perfick".

Mr Coulson snapped up Buss Farm, at Bethersden, and now plans to turn the site into holiday accommodation themed on the Larkin family from the hit TV show of the 1990s.

"I was a fan of the programme and moved to Bethersden about six years ago almost on the strength of it because I loved the look of the area," said 42-year-old Mr Coulson.

"I went to the classic car shows which were held at Buss Farm several times and the previous owner, Roger Holmes, told me he had people turning up asking to look round.

"I thought it was a missed opportunity. The buildings are looking rather neglected and tired.

"There is still a massive following of the TV show and I thought this would be an opportunity to let people come in and see the farm."

Mr Coulson has spoken to tourism bosses at Visit Kent about his plans and feels they could be a boost for the county.

He has submitted a planning application to Ashford Borough Council to renovate three buildings and turn them into holiday lets, including the main farmhouse, which is Grade II listed.

Other buildings would be demolished, to tidy up the site, or renovated.

A new barn would be built for more holiday accommodation and a barn converted into a home.

Mr Coulson envisages creating seven full-time jobs plus another 30 part-time for special events such as the classic car show.

He now lives in the main farmhouse and his internet businesses, which include career training and marketing, are based there.

Buss Farm was owned and lived in by the Holmes family for 40 years and was marketed last year for £1.35 million.

Darling Buds of May was based on the books by H.E. Bates about the adventures of the boisterous Larkin family.

It was a hit ITV show from 1991 to 1993, starring David Jason, whose catchphrase was "perfick", Pam Ferris and Catherine Zeta-Jones.