A 120-year-old hop farm could be expanded to include a microbrewery, complete with a taproom, brasserie and holiday lets under new plans.

Hukins Hops has submitted planning applications to allow the re-purposing of unused buildings on Haffenden farms in St Michaels, near Tenterden, to allow for the new attractions.

The farmland off Bugglesden Road consists of a number of disused buildings, including a large oast house that picked its last crop in 2020 which is "redundant and no longer fit for purpose".

Proposal documents say the building – along with an attached outbuilding – will be converted in a "sensitive" and "traditional" manner to allow it to function as a brewery.

Additionally, holiday lets consisting of two shepherd huts and several 'hopper' huts will be added to the grounds for people to stay in.

Ross Hukins, who owns and manages the farm, said the team was keen to ensure the oast "remains with its character and tells its history."

"It was built by my grandfather, and with the business building out and having it last used in 2020, we wanted to ensure it was used in the right way," he added.

"We are now a sixth generation farming family with the birth of my baby girl - I am fifth, my dad fourth and so on. Before my great great grandad bought the farm, we were growing hops in High Halden."

The family have been running tours and craft beer tastings already, and have partnered with The Brewery of Angels and Demons to run their brasserie.

"This will be for local people to be able to celebrate the history of hops in the area – because we have a lot of grapes here, not many hops," Mr Hukins added.

"They'll be able to celebrate the history and enjoy craft beer in a tasteful yet modern setting."

It is understood that the hop farm will work alongside the brewery and tourist attractions, rather than being negatively impacted or shut down.

The proposed brewery would produce 20 beer barrels – the equivalent of just under 5,000 pints – of beer per batch, operating weekdays between 7am and 6pm.

Opening hours for the taproom and brasserie are expected to be from 12pm to 10pm Monday to Thursday, and until 11pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

The brasserie will also be operational from 7am to provide breakfast to guests staying at the holiday lets.