Divisive plans to overhaul an old Grade-II listed village pub into a takeaway have been unveiled.

The Plough and Harrow in Bridge, near Canterbury, could be set for a new lease of life as kebab shop bosses eye up the former Shepherd Neame inn.

Fresh blueprints detailing how the 18th-century building in High Street could be transformed – including the removal of walls - have triggered a mixed reaction.

In a bid to the city council, architect Hollaway Studio says: “The proposals seek to re-configure the existing bar space within the front of the ground floor of the building into a takeaway shop. This would include [the] removal of walls and the introduction of a kitchen/food counter.

“Proposals would also include commercial extraction; but this would be taken horizontally beneath the ceiling of the ground floor, in order to not affect the existing fabric of the building.

“This would result in minimal impact to the listed building.”

If successful, it is proposed the new takeaway would operate from midday to 10pm seven days a week whilst employing three full-time staff alongside a couple of part-time roles.

The proposals come from Rustem Aykac who owns Kebab Fish Knight in Marden, Tonbridge.

The former Shepherd Neame establishment, which closed last December, dates back to as early as 1839.

Reaction to the news has been mixed so far, with residents of the area taking to Facebook to air their views about the scheme.

“The Plough hasn’t worked for landlords over the last 14 years, so let’s hope it works for another business,” remarked Tara Pidcock who was more sympathetic to the plans.

Another hoping to see change in the area, Michelle Hollingsbee, said: “Yes please. It would be nice to have a takeaway in the village.”

However, those more critical of the scheme have cited potential issues with smell, anti-social behaviour and the alterations required to a listed building to get the project off the ground.

David Wales said: “No thank you. The building is a listed building. The village does not need a kebab takeaway.”

Both the parish council leader Alan Atkinson and city councillor Mike Sole took issue with the plans with the latter telling KentOnline he had “significant concerns”.

“Firstly the additional traffic it would cause – I don’t believe Bridge is a large enough community to support a takeaway on its own,” began Cllr Sole.

“There would be a significant amount of traffic coming into the village, the village always had difficult parking issues, there will be additional noise from the fan and traffic and potential for additional litter.

“This is a listed, historic building and the application is asking for walls to be removed inside.

“I’m not really sure this is an appropriate building for such an establishment to be in.”

Alan Atkinson, Bridge parish council’s head said: “The members of the public present, and the councillors present on the planning committee in Bridge on Thursday night were quite concerned about a number of matters regarding the Plough and Harrow building.

“They mentioned the loss of a community space, and in exchange for yet another good outlet, it was not thought a beneficial exchange.

“Added to this were the concerns regarding litter, the lack of parking at what is already a problematic junction and the potential for noise and smell - the planning committee probably had no good option but to object to the proposal.”

At the time of its unexpected closure last year the pub enjoyed a 4.5/5 TripAdvisor and Google review rating – it appeared on the market up for sale alongside three other Kent taverns in June.

Hollaway Studios was contacted for a comment but did not respond.