Plans have been put forward to demolish a historic pub and build a care home in its place.

The proposal would see The Grasshopper Inn, in Westerham Road, Westerham, razed to the ground and a 64-bedroom care home built in its place.

The 752-year-old building, which served as a pub, bed and breakfast and wedding venue, was closed for renovation in 2019.

Tandridge Council has responded to the plans. While it is happy to see something happening to the site, it is disappointed the demolition of the building will see the destruction of some historic furniture.

It said: “We are pleased to see that finally something positive will happen at the Grasshopper Inn site which has fallen into a poor state of disrepair with failed incomplete previous extensions/alterations over recent years."

In the early 1950s the Grasshopper Inn was restored and extended using old material including Oak panelling and wrought iron from the Houses of Parliament and the vestry doors from Coventry Cathedral.

The parish council said: “It is a significant shame that this long rich history and character will be lost.”

It is also unhappy the new building would be two metres higher and is concerned the quality of the materials being used are not up to the standard of the existing building. While the design “lacks any character”.

The Grasshopper Inn dates back to 1271 and was originally two cottages, one was used as a beer house called ‘The Plough’ which served Westerham Strong Farmers Ale and Westerham Mild Ale.

Legend has it that when customers visited, they banged on the table and the landlady would emerge from the back room to fill their pint or quart tankards from the wooden barrels before retiring to the back again.

The planning proposal promises to draw from the character of the existing building with gable walls facing the road and the idea to either pitch the roof or “split the whole mass into visually individual elements, which provide their own interest and character”.

White rendering will be used on the upper floors while reclaimed stone from the existing building will be applied to the ground floor of the main building.

As well as the 64 bedrooms in the home there will also be communal areas. Outside there will be a variety of garden areas.

People can have their say on the application by clicking the link here.

The site was sold in May last year with all contents also being sold off at an open day.

A decision is due to be made before November 23.