It won the right to stay after a planning war, but council rules could now force a popular cafe to remove all its signs - even the one that says "coffee".

Kevan Middleton, who runs The Deaf Cat, opposite Rochester Cathedral, has been told the black-and-white signs break listed building rules.

The building was Grade II listed in 1950 and by law cannot have any signs that "harm its character".

Yet former graphic designer Mr Middleton claims the signs have been up for decades. No action had been taken until this summer.

Mr Middleton, 44, said: "They've been there many, many years. Lots of other places have big windows, but we were originally a house so we have to show people we're a cafe somehow.

"How are they going to know we serve coffee if we can't even show our name above the door?"

The High Street cafe, named after Charles Dickens' favoured pet, opened in April last year and includes a gallery and shop.

Rivals protested in August after it emerged the cafe had no permission to serve food and drink, but was allowed to stay after artists, a childbirth group and the Dean of Rochester Cathedral lent their support.

Officers refused permission for the signs on October 20, but their letter to Mr Middleton contradicted itself, saying the signs broke the rules - then adding they were "in accordance with policies".

Mr Middleton and partner Laura Brown, who plan to appeal, said: "We pay business rates.

"They seem more interested in the symmetry of a couple of signs than in a successful business."

A Medway Council spokesman said: "The law regarding listed buildings is clear. As a council we enforce this regardless of who owns a property.

"We recognise that signage is important for business and would like to work with the owner to find an acceptable solution."