A long-awaited wine bar has been blocked from opening in a picturesque village square amid fears it will "aggravate" residents and put a "distressing strain" on their mental health.

The Tudor Peacock was planned to launch in the heart of Chilham, with alcohol from seven of Kent’s top wine producers being sold at the 14th century site.

But the bid has been refused by Ashford Borough Council following a barrage of objections from concerned residents.

Villagers were left up in arms by the proposals, with one critic suggesting the "screech" of diners moving chairs would be too frustrating to live with.

Others conveyed their "shock" at the plans, arguing that the wine bar would ruin the village's "unrivalled tranquillity" and make evening life "unbearable".

Bottles and samples from the likes of Chapel Down, Hush Heath and Domaine Evremond were planned to be available from the mid-terrace property, and delicacies such as Whitstable oysters were to be on the food menu.

The site's primary use was planned to be a wine tasting venue-cum-shop, with the bar acting as an ancillary to the business.

The applicants - who had the backing of the parish council - were hoping to create three full-time jobs and two part-time roles. But the proposals for the former Peacock Antiques Tudor Lodge gift shop were last week thrown out by council officers.

They determined that the Tudor Peacock "would give rise to an unacceptable level of noise and disturbance to residents" - causing them "significant harm" due to poor soundproofing in the Grade II-listed building.

One objector, Ken Pedrick, said: "All chairs, moved across a stone surface will produce a high-pitched screech which will be difficult to subdue.

"Even if the legs of the chair are padded these will inevitably wear off and will only provide a temporary solution.

"This screeching cannot be regulated and will provide a constant and distressing strain on the mental health of any neighbouring resident."

Others raised fears over a range of factors - including a lack of parking in the often-full village square, vibration from music harming the stability of old buildings, and the fact there are already drinking establishments in the square.

Objections were lodged by villagers, visitors to Chilham and from solicitors acting on behalf of residents.

The project did, however, gain support from a number of people eagerly awaiting the launch of a new business.