An historic pub may return to its former glory if new plans are given the go-ahead.

Bosses want to convert the Mumbai Gate in Bethersden - which was previously The Royal Standard - back into a pub.

The Grade II-listed building, on the corner of the A28 and Standard Lane, became the Royal Spice Indian restaurant for five years from 2005 before becoming a Chinese restaurant - called 1 Thirty Six - in 2010.

From 2013 it reverted to serving Indian cuisine under the name Cinnamon Lounge, and now operates as Mumbai Gate.

Now new plans submitted to Ashford Borough Council could see it converted into a pub and restaurant.

Since 2014, the 200-year-old building has been partially demolished and modern extensions have been added to convert a section into a home.

Two of the 21st century single-storey additions would be removed as part of the proposal, alongside an expansion of the restaurant and kitchen facilities.

In the application, agent John Bullock says there is planning permission to convert the site into a residential development, but that his clients hope to retain the commercial use.

"Our clients have a strong reputation for running successful public houses across Kent.

"The proposed conversion will involve demolishing two existing single storey extensions, to the rear of the property, and replacing them with extensions that will enhance the significance of the listed building, in terms of design, materials and joinery.

"The existing late 20th century wall will be removed to the rear of the property, to provide access into the extension. On the front of the building it is proposed to remove the existing signage and erect a modest oak framed porch.

'The best thing about this is that it'll be in good hands, and I'm sure the locals will be happy for us to give it over to them...' - Abdul Harun

"Internally, it is proposed to remove the existing bar area and to replace it with a new bar area in a similar position."

The planned alterations are promised to restore the building's original aesthetic, hoping to "considerably improve and upgrade the buildings with timber weatherboarding and aluminium windows".

Bethersden Parish Council has shown its supports for the application, which features 15 parking spaces.

The owner of Mumbai Gate, Abdul Harun, wishes the owners luck in their new venture.

He said: "It's been a wonderful place with great people, but the year just gone wasn't good enough us.

"When you're leasing there are high overheads and it's one of those decisions where we'd have to put a lot of money into it if we were to continue next year.

"The best thing about this is that it'll be in good hands, and I'm sure the locals will be happy for us to give it over to them."

Mumbai Gate ceased trading at the site on New Year's Eve.

To view the plans, visit www.ashford.gov.uk and search for the 18/01673/AS application.