A roadside 17th century barn left empty for several years is set to go under the hammer.

The site on the A28 is believed to be the former stable block for The Bull Inn in Bethersden, near Ashford, which sits opposite the land.

The Grade-II listed building last appeared on the market in 2017, when it was sold by Shepherd Neame, which still owns the nearby pub.

It is expected to fetch about £50,000 when sold by land and property auctioneers Clive Emson later this month.

The site has been empty for several years and is now being offloaded by a private seller.

On its website, Clive Emson says: “The barn may be suitable for a variety of uses or possible conversion to residential, subject to all necessary consents being obtainable.”

The site will go under the hammer on Wednesday, March 18.

The nearby Bull Inn reopened last year.

It has been leased by The Elm Pub Group, with Stacey Reid taking over as general manager.

The 39-year-old previously said how he intended to be at the pub “for the long-term”, believing the site has all the ingredients to be a success in the future.

However, his hopes that the site would reap the benefits from plans for a new estate next to the site were dashed last month when Ashford Borough Council voted to refuse the plans.

Councillors and neighbours raised fears over an increase in accidents as well as the potential harm caused by the loss of farmland and the position of the 32 homes outside the village confines.

Despite being recommended for approval, officers admitted it was a “finely balanced” application before the planning committee voted unanimously to refuse the scheme.