Owners of the former Bun Penny plot are in talks with Costa and Starbucks about taking over a new shop on the site.

Bosses behind the development have previously remained tight-lipped about the spot’s future, but now say they are in discussions with the popular coffee shop firms.

Developer Dean Tevfik, who has owned the site since June 2014, says he is waiting to hear back from the national chains.

“I have been having meetings with Costa and Starbucks,” he said.

“At the moment, I do not know who is going to have it, but they have been positive talks.

“It would be a nice thing for the town to have one of them.”

Mr Tevfik, who is currently adding the finishing touches to the site, was responding to speculation on the Herne Bay Chatter Facebook group.

He had previously suggested big names such as Subway or Ask could take up the spot on the seafront, but has refused to comment further in recent months.

“It would be nice if it was a proper independent restaurant and not a chain,” Steve Hudson said on the group.

“We have some very good independent restaurants already but there is always room for another.”

Trish Godson added how picturesque the seafront spot would be.

She said: “It definitely needs some sort of refreshment establishment there so you can sit and enjoy the sunsets – it would be nice if it was open during the evenings.”

Mr Tevfik, who demolished the derelict pub shell that was gutted by fire in September 2011, is well-known in Herne Bay as the owner of an ice cream parlour, a fish and chip shop and a pie and mash shop on the seafront.

Starbucks spokesman Caroline Sletten-Larsson says the firm is regularly looking at new sites.

She said: "We are always looking at opportunities to reach new customers, however we have no news to share regarding a new store in Herne Bay at the moment."

KentOnline's sister title the Herne Bay Gazette contacted Costa for comment, but did not receive a response.