Investors who want to own a piece of Hythe's history are being given the chance to buy a former pub in a 'silent auction'.

The Dukes Head on Dymchurch Road failed to secure a buyer after it went on the market with Alex Neil estate agents back in April.

The asking price for the former pub was originally an on-application guide of £1 million, but this was slashed by £250,000 back in October in a bid to create more interest. The estate agents added that a number of interested people got in touch, but no offers were accepted.

The listing has since been taken down by Alex Neil, and is being re-marketed with C R Child and Partners based in Hythe.

The dilapidated pub, which dates back to the early 19th Century, was in operation until 2016.

It is advertised as a freehold property and 'considered ideal for many uses, subject to the relevant consents being obtained' including residential or commercial.

The venue is deemed historically important and was first listed as a Grade II property in 1950, meaning any proposed future development would have to be in keeping with some of the building’s original features.

Keith Rogans, from C R Child and Partners, said: "We have the Dukes Head up for sale by tender, which effectively gives potential buyers the opportunity to put their best bid forward by Friday, January 25.

"This will establish its true value we currently have a lot of interest in it and hopefully this will result in some good tenders."

A sale by tender is a process likened to a 'silent auction'.

The property for sale will have a deadline for bids and any interested, potential buyers have until that date to submit their best offer, without being exposed to any bids from other parties.

It is not know whether the guide price remains £750,000, as the new listing notes that the price will be available on application.

In 2014, when the site was still running as a pub, an application to turn the site into three properties and 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 commented: “This pub is an asset of community value.

“Local authorities have a duty to protect a vital part of our cultural heritage.”

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

Listed building consent was also given for the alterations on the basis that work would begin within three years.