Coffee giant Costa will be opening a new branch at a derelict pub.

The chain is to take over the Royal Engineers in Goudhurst Road in Twydall, Gillingham.

After closing in 2011, the hostelry was transformed into a Chinese restaurant and takeaway.

Costa put in a planning application to Medway Council to takeover the property in September last year.

There will be multiple renovations made to the site including larger windows on the Twydall Green facing side, a protruding, illuminated Costa sign put up and the demolition of a rear extension building.

On top of the shop there will also be a new two-bedroom flat.

Ward councillor Dorte Gilry (Lab) said: “As a Twydall person I am sad we have another chain store opening in the shopping area.

“It’s also such a shame that one of our independent tea rooms decided to close because they thought Costa would take their customers. It was such a lovely community cafe.

“But I’m so happy that the old engineers pub is going to actually be used rather than it just being abandoned.

“The next thing Twydall needs is for the old Woolworth's to be taken over..." - Cllr Dorte Gilry

“The next thing Twydall needs is for the old Woolworth's to be taken over. It’s been standing there for four or five years and it needs to be made into something useful.

“It’s private property though so the council can’t make that decision unfortunately.”

Although there will be multiple Costa logos and a change in paint colour, Medway Council's planning department says building materials have to match the existing design.

Costa will also have to pay a £223.58 donation towards protecting birds and wildlife as the property is within a 6km radius of the North Kent Marshes SPA/Ramsar Sites,

This is the seventh Costa in Medway.