Wetherspoon bosses have unveiled plans to demolish an abandoned nightclub in order to build a £3m extension and a new pub garden.

The former Legends venue in Dover could be flattened under proposals put forward to transform The Eight Bells in Cannon Street.

The national chain wants to knock down the single-storey building which used to house the nightclub - and carry out a dramatic redesign of the pub's interior.

Some nearby businesses fear it could result in more noise coming from the branch and could hit trade at other drinking spots.

But others say if it brings more visitors to the town it "has to be a good thing".

Planning documents submitted to Dover District Council (DDC) say: "The proposal is to improve the design of the premises by relocating ground floor toilet facilities, kitchen and garden to the currently unused Legends night club including the external garden are.

"This will allow the main customer area to be more open-plan than as is at present.

"Other works will include repairs and improvements to the existing features, to highlight their historical significance, whilst simultaneously complying with current building standards.

"The external works will match the existing materials to ensure the building's character is retained."

Bosses also want to make the pub "distinctive, safer and pleasant," as well as "easy to get to and move around in, welcoming, adaptable and resource-efficient."

The total cost of the "high specification" development is expected to be around £2.9 million, according to the plans.

Historically part of a cinema building, the Legends nightclub is now a stripped-out shell having been abandoned for years.

It went up for auction in May 2017, failing to sell at £250,000 and being re-listed a few weeks later at £200,000.

Attached to the back of the pub, the entire building will be demolished, with part of its floor space being used for the extension of the pub building, with the rest earmarked for a new pub garden.

The new plans are currently available to view, with residents invited to comment in support or against the development.

The news has divided business owners in Cannon Street, with some feeling it is the "wrong move" for the town.

Sandra Malho, who owns cafe La Salle Verte four doors down from the pub, said: "I don't think it's right. Other businesses in the town already have problems – small businesses can't make any money because their [Wetherspoon's] drinks are so cheap.

"We also have too much noise from the pub already and I'm worried this will make it worse. I would have liked to see something else to have happened to the old nightclub to bring people to the town in general rather than just going there [The Eight Bells]."

However, Dave Robinson, owner of Vinoteq Wine Bar and Venue, said that it was "good to see Wetherspoons investing in Dover".

"They are closing down or selling pubs across the country so a £3m investment shows some faith in the town," he added.

"We're a wine bar so I'm not concerned that it'll impact our trade, and if it brings more people into the town it has got to be a good thing.

"I trust that given peoples' concerns about noise, 'Spoons will have a plan to deal with that."

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “The Eight Bells has been a popular Wetherspoon pub in Dover for many years.

“We are always aiming to offer our customers the best possible pub and the project to increase the size of the pub and create a beer garden highlights the company’s commitment to the pub and its customers as well as Dover itself.”

The Eight Bells pub occupies part of a building which was home to the former Metropole Hotel.

It opened as a Wetherspoon pub in 1997, having been home to Millets outdoor clothing store.

It stands in the shadow of St Mary’s Church, which was totally rebuilt in 1843, except for the tower, which has the eight bells, giving the pub its name.