A busy town centre pub has announced plans to expand its beer garden to cater for customers all year round.

The Limes in Faversham is hoping to install a walled courtyard garden, extra seating and a covered area at the back of its Preston Street premises.

If the plans are approved, the extra facilities will be introduced on existing space currently serving as staff parking and storage areas.

In documents submitted to Swale Borough Council, bar bosses outlined their desire to develop a seated garden area to help the business thrive in the wake of the pandemic.

“Customer habits have changed and the need for quality outside trading space has become ever-apparent as we head into the post-Covid era,” says Shepherd Neame, which owns and operates The Limes.

“Where external areas were once the preserve of summer months, the provision of extended season covered areas has become critical to the viability of hospitality sector businesses that have seen extended closures during lockdown.

“The proposals would have a positive impact on the successful operation of the pub business, which is considered an important contributor to the local town economy and employment.”

The boozer, which currently employs 10 members of staff, believes the expansion would allow for three new positions to open up at the firm.

Shepherd Neame's property and services director, George Barnes, told KentOnline: “We hope to improve the external space by creating a walled courtyard garden.

“Along with this, we will create an open-sided glazed roof structure to provide a covered customer area.”

But not all reaction to the proposals has been positive, with one neighbour objecting to the development over concerns about noise and heritage value.

The Limes is housed in a Grade II-Listed building dating back to the 18th century. It also sits in the Faversham Town Conservation Area.

Bosses say they are keen to ensure these issues are addressed, and have taken pre-emptive steps to protect the building’s character.

“We have taken every care to ensure that this proposed development has been sympathetically designed, using traditional materials and methods,” a spokesman said.

“The proposed garden is considered to have little impact on the heritage asset and is considered to greatly enhance the rear of the property.

“Use of the area would also be limited to the times in accordance with the Licensing requirements, and the open spaces would be actively managed.”

The council is due to reach a decision on December 16, with building set to start in early 2023 if the plans are approved.