A winery is set to construct a new tasting building to boost business.

Striking images show Gusbourne Vineyard's plans for a permanent two-storey structure on its estate in Appledore, near Tenterden.

A planning application for 'The Nest Building' shows a wood-clad structure next to the winery itself.

It would provide additional tasting rooms as well as an improved kitchen and storage areas, which the design statement says are needed to "improve the visitor experience".

"Operationally it is important to be near the existing building, while equally important is the visual connects onto the vines themselves while in the building," it adds.

The structure is set to replace a semi-permanent gazebo that is in the space currently, with a path leading directly from the existing car park to its entrance.

It is the latest move the company has taken to expand on its growing business almost 20 years on from the first vine being planted.

Having started in 2004, the vineyard itself now covers some 60 hectares of land; the equivalent of more than 112 football pitches.

It is part of what makes the south east the most dominant region in the country for wine production, alongside other famous vineyards like Hush Heath.

The statement continues: "The new building is sited close to the large existing winery building.

"This, combined with the mature hedge and tree line directly to the north, ensures the overall visual impact of the new building is greatly reduced.

"The gently sloping southerly aspect directly in front of the new building will be re-landscaped to form new external seating areas with new tree planning."