IWADE Farm Shop and a neighbouring fish bar will close at the end of July to make way for developers.

Owners Fruit and Produce, Sittingbourne, have sold the site to Ward Homes, who are going to build a new village centre on the land.

The farm shop has been central to the village for 30 years and the fish bar and café for 40 years. The businesses were started by Jack and Ethel Fowle, whose son John is now director of Fruit and Produce.

The existing buildings will be demolished. The farm business will continue on a telephone orders basis.

Mr Fowle said: "There has been a mixed reaction. I think people are sorry that the corner site is going to change. We have been here for so many years, but it's also quite exciting. We have had our day here now. We have to go along with the times and the new design of the village."

Ward Homes plan to build a mini supermarket, doctors' surgery, hairdressing salon and other shops.