Mystery surrounds the future of a former boozer after it was put up for sale with a huge price tag.

The Dukes Head site on Dymchurch Road in Hythe has been slapped with an on-application guide price of £1 million.

The dilapidated pub, which dates back to the early 19th Century, was in operation until 2016 but has been left empty since its closure.

The venue is deemed to be historically important and was first listed as a Grade II property in 1950.

It's sale is being advertised as a freehold property through London-based estate agents Alex Neil.

The property is described on the estate agent website as: "A former Public house, set within a large plot located on the edge of a large residential area.

"The development is of brick construction under a pitched tile roof and is understood to be Grade II listed.

"This is a redevelopment opportunity to potentially convert the existing buildings into a multiple mixed unit residential development.

"It could also be considered as mixed use development, all subject to planning permission (STPP)."

It means any proposed development regarding the future of the site will have to be in keeping with some of the building's original features, limiting the scope for what it could be transformed into.

However, subject to planning permission, the site has potential for uses such as apartments, or a bar or café and suitable applications could be considered by Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC).

A FHDC spokesman said: "Obviously we could consider any planning applications that are put forward by the buyer, but until then, it is not our place to speculate."

In 2014, when the building was still a drinking establishment, an application to turn the site into three properties, as well as convert the barn into another, while erecting a two storey block of self contained flats was refused.

The decision was on the grounds that it "would result in the loss of an existing social and community facility and it has not been satisfactorily demonstrated in the application that there is no longer a need for the facility and that it is unsuitable for adaptation into a viable enterprise."

At the time, one objector John Carpenter commented: "This pub is an asset of community value. Pubs are under threat throughout the UK and local authorities have a duty to protect what is a vital part of our cultural heritage."

In February last year, FHDC, then known as Shepway, granted permission for the development on the land for a roof extension and other external alterations to convert the outbuilding for residential use.

Listed building consent was also given for the alterations o the basis that work would begin within three years, but the property is now on sale.