Plans to expand popular restaurant Rocksalt - run by Michelin starred chef Mark Sargeant - have been unveiled.

Proposals for the award winning restaurant - which have been submitted to Folkestone and Hythe District Council - reveal plans to extend an outside seating terrace onto the adjacent old railway viaduct.

As well as adding extra fixed seats, there are also plans for a new bar serving drinks, raised planters and a new access point between Rocksalt and the viaduct.

The disused railway line and swing bridge - which is a Grade II listed site - is part of the public space that has been brought back to life by the Folkestone Harbour Company, who have spent millions transforming the whole area.

The area links directly to the old Harbour Station and the Harbour Arm - which have both been subject to major renovation in recent years and are massive draws for tourists to the area.

The restoration forms part of a seafront masterplan which includes an array of shops, cafés, bars and 1,000 homes.

As part of the plans for Rocksalt's expansion, no changes are to be made to the structure of the former railway line and all materials used will match its existing design.

Planning documents, put together by Martello Building Consultancy, state: "This proposal is the next step in the evolution of the refurbished viaduct and is a continuation to the provision of pedestrian access on to the viaduct and offers the first possibility for increased employment opportunities.

"We feel that the proposals will only have a benefit impact by providing an additional new use to the area as a space for people."

Rocksalt was opened by Mark Sargeant, who trained under Gordon Ramsay, in 2011.

It has since won a string of awards including Best Restaurant in Kent and has 2 AA Rosettes and 4 AA stars for Rocksalt Rooms.

Mr Sargeant also runs The Smokehouse Fish and Chips in Folkestone and The Wife of Bath in Wye, among other restaurants.

A date for a decision on the expansion plans has not yet been released.

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