The proposed demolition of an historic inn has been branded “wasteful and dangerous” by those wanting to preserve the building’s heritage.

The owner of the Old Alma, a B&B driven past by thousands each day on the A28 at Chilham, wants to knock down the former pub and replace it with eight flats in a three-storey building.

Anthony McNamara, who took over the business in June last year, is seeking the go-ahead from Ashford Borough Council

The Victorian coaching inn was built in the mid-1800s by the London, Chatham and Dover Railway company, and has stood as a gateway to Chilham in the decades since.

It was turned into a B&B in 1996 but accountants say business has dried up.

However, the scheme has not come without its critics, and despite the developer’s claims the design will be sympathetic to the village, objections have been lodged.

The Chilham Tourism and Retail Group argues the area will be in desperate need of tourist accommodation when the recently-approved Taittinger-backed winery and visitor centre opens nearby.

Chairman Peter Higgs also raises concerns over the problems at the ever-busy junction opposite.

“The nearby A28 and A252 junction is already noted as an accident blackspot,” he said.

“The entrance for the proposed development would be at a location with very limited visibility and this would present a further accident risk. “Tourism is the lifeblood of this parish and such establishments are vital to the health of the industry. Demand for accommodation is likely to increase and the closure of such businesses needs to be resisted.

"The proposal to demolish the existing structurally sound building is wasteful and dangerous.”

Villager Steve Linter shares fears over increased traffic, adding: “I believe the exit from the site does not provide sufficient line of sight onto the A28 to make a safe exit.”

Attempts to revitalise the premises - described by developers as having “no architectural merit” - have proved unsuccessful.

Due to coronavirus, accountants for the business concede the B&B “will not recover to a profitable state” and will likely close in early 2021. They add: “Business has been very slow despite efforts to advertise and steps taken to make internal and external improvements.”

“This has not proved to be effective and with the current trading conditions under Covid, business is now non-existent.”

Developing the land is favoured over any attempts to sell the property.

If the demolition plan is approved, parking for the one-bed and two-bed flats will be in a courtyard off the main road.

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