A much-loved former guest house could be turned into homes after the retiring owner says he was unable to find someone to take over the business.

A planning application has been put in to make changes to the Westbank Guest House in Dover.

The business has received glowing online reviews over the years but owner Anastasis Michael says he is now looking at an alternative plan for two homes at the Folkestone Road site.

He told KentOnline: “I have tried for several years to sell it as a going concern. But with the present economic climate that has not worked out.”

He said one deal recently fell through when a prospective buyer found they were unable to raise the funds needed for a purchase.

The premises stopped trading as a guest house on New Year’s Eve.

The detached building was originally two side-by-side houses that were converted to create the single business premises.

The planning application, submitted to Dover District Council on January 29, is to return the building to two separate homes.

No objections have been lodged by locals on the council’s planning portal and Dover Town Council says it supports the application.

The Westbank scored four out of five on the reviews website Tripadvisor resulting in an overall ranking of “very good”.

It got four for the sub-categories of location and value and 4.5 for cleanliness and service.

Simon V wrote last August: “A very pleasant overnight stay. The welcome was warm and friendly. The room was comfortable and had all the amenities that we required.

“We would be happy to stay there again.”

Another guest the previous summer had written: “The owner is so accommodating for your every need. Rooms are very clean, new towels every day. Breakfast is beautifully served.”

The guest, under the name Lord D, said he was 70 years old so the only drawback was the number of stairs.

But he concluded: “The owner is most helpful in every way, score for me is 18 out of 10.”

Alexandra L wrote: “The room was comfortable and clean with en-suite facilities. We received a very warm welcome and were given secure off-road parking.”