An historic village pub has closed after the landlord decided it was not making enough money.

The Grade II listed Old Plantation Inn in Bearsted had been at the centre of a planning row since an application was lodged by Heritage Designer Homes Ltd in November to transform it into a house and build two others on the 0.24 hectare site.

Now, Steve Swift, who owns the development company and the Plantation Lane premises, has confirmed the pub has closed.

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Mr Swift said: “I was informed this week that the pub has been closed for good after the landlord struggled to make enough money. Initially he was planning to keep the pub open until the end of the month.

“I have had one person approach me regarding taking the lease but discussions regarding that are in the early stages. We are expecting a planning decision in April and depending on the outcome may advertise the lease again afterwards.”

The pub, which has been operating from its location since at least 1860, was boarded up on Tuesday morning.

Mr Swift has previously stated he would lease the pub to anyone willing to pay the going rate.

The landlord, Mr Daoudi, could not be reached for comment.

Sue Nutting, who lives opposite the freehouse, said: “We are surprised that it has closed but we are hoping that someone will take Mr Swift up on his offer of taking on the lease.

“In the meantime we will continue to campaign to secure the future of the pub.”

Mrs Nutting’s petition was presented to Maidstone Borough Council within the window for public objections, with a second online petition garnering more than 600 signatures.