More than 100 people have applied to work at the town’s former courthouse when it becomes a pub.

J.D Wetherspoon, which is due to open The Golden Hope pub at the Park Road site on July 21, advertised for full and part-time kitchen staff.

It was also offering part-time roles for floor and bar staff as well as a housekeeper for three rooms.

The advert said employees could receive “up to 19% bonus and other great benefits” and described the pay rate as competitive.

It is understood the company is spending £1.5 million converting the building.

But questions were raised after signs appeared outside it back in March mentioning hotel accommodation.

When plans were approved by Swale council in February to convert the premises into a pub, the application stated the rooms would be used by staff.

As a result, officers contacted the agent to clarify the situation so it could review what planning permission may be needed.

A spokesman said: “After checking with the developers, we are satisfied that as the small scale hotel use is ancillary to the main business of the business, planning permission is not required.”

Not all of the kitchen vacancies have been filled. To apply visit www.jdwjobs.co.uk