The year-long planning saga surrounding an historic village pub is due to come to an end tomorrow night.

The Little Gem, which once laid claim to the title of the country’s smallest pub, has sat crumbling in the heart of Aylesford for six years.

Efforts to sell the 12th century High Street building in 2014 were unsuccessful and last year an application to turn the listed freehouse into a home was lodged with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC).

This was met with fierce opposition from residents, with more than 4,500 people signing a petition to stop development.

Despite this the parish council raised no objection to owner James O’Callaghan’s plan and the proposal was recommended for approval.

Due to significant public interest the application and a linked one to make minor alterations to the front of the pub will go in front of TMBC’s area three planning committee at 7.30pm in the Civic Suite of Gibson Building, Kings Hill.

The full proposal can be viewed here.