One of Kent’s oldest pubs could now be transformed into holiday lets after plans to convert it into flats were ditched.

The owners of the Three Compasses in Deal had originally hoped to convert the ground floor of the building - which was most recently run as a restaurant - into two apartments.

However, fresh proposals show they now want to turn the main bar area into two holiday rentals, while continuing to offer B&B rooms on the floor above.

But the reason for the switch-up is not clear, and attempts to contact the owners were met with a voicemail message revealing the restaurant at the 17th-century inn is now shut.

They say: “We've now retired and the restaurant is closed, however, we are still booking rooms for bed and breakfast and these are available on Airbnb.

“Thank you for your support over the last 20 years.”

There has yet to be any reaction online to the new planning application, which is almost identical in layout to the original proposal for flats.

But the idea of converting the pub in Beach Street did split opinion when the first plans emerged in August.

Historian Rory Kehoe hit out at the number of pubs being lost to development.

“I'm against the idea of converting pubs into flats or Airbnbs, as is very common at the moment, and it's actually very scary,” he said.

“I think pubs should be protected to a certain extent because they are a great asset to a community.

“They're a social centre. It's a regulated alcohol outlet. It's not like drinking beer out of a brown paper bag in the park.”

Responding to the original plans on Dover District Council’s (DDC) planning portal, Ian Haigh said he believed the restaurant - which was still open at the time - would “thrive” under new owners.

“The current owners have not tried to sell the property in its current use, nor have they proven it is unviable as a business,” he wrote.

“They currently operate on very reduced opening hours, which I understand is a lifestyle choice, and the premises could thrive under a more consistent and business-orientated operator.

“From a heritage point of view, this is a Grade II-listed building, and converting it into flats would also not be appropriate.

“You would lose the legibility and heritage aspect of the building. More effort needs to be put into protecting our community assets and amenities, of which restaurants, pubs and bars, and listed buildings, are a key part.”

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

However, some neighbours said they would be happy to see the back of the historic inn, which first opened in 1661.

Elizabeth Woodeson wrote: “I am supportive of this proposal as the Three Compasses is the only restaurant on this stretch of the seafront in Deal, which is otherwise entirely residential.

“The current owners have been very considerate neighbours and kept their opening hours very limited, with no late evenings.

“But if they were to sell up, there is a risk that the restaurant could be taken over by another business which might well want to open later and attract a noisier crowd which would be out of keeping with this residential area.”

DDC is set to make a decision on the application by the end of the year.