A former village pub opposite a nature reserve looks set to be demolished to make way for seven homes, a micropub and cycle café despite concerns by police and residents.

The scheme for The Sportsman in Cliffsend, previously run by Shepherd Neame before its closure in 2017, includes four houses on the footprint of the pub and three apartments in a separate three-storey building.

Planning officers at Thanet District Council are recommending the scheme be approved, once the necessary planning obligations by developer Kentish Projects Ltd are secured.

But Kent Police has written to the authority stating it has "significant concerns for the potential for crime".

Neighbours have also objected, warning it is an over-development of the site.

The pub on Sandwich Road, which according to dover-kent.com dates back to the 18th century, has been the focus of controversial plans since its closure.

In 2018, proposals were submitted by Kentish Projects Ltd, which is behind a number of luxury developments in Thanet, to build two blocks of flats and a micropub.

But the ambitious scheme failed to win favour, with district planners refusing the application and then the Planning Inspectorate dismissing a subsequent appeal.

The design was described as "obtrusive and an incongruous form of development".

Then last year a revised plan was submitted, this time for four semi-detached three-bed houses and a three-storey apartment block for four two-bed apartments.

It included space for a cycle café and micropub on the ground floor, which the developer believes will revive the lost community asset of the former pub.

Since then, the scheme has been amended to reduce the number of apartments from eight, down to seven - two two-bed and one one-bed.

Hume Planning, which is representing Kentish Projects, says the design has been put together taking into account feedback from Thanet council as well as neighbours during the planning hearing on the previous plan.

But almost 20 objections have been received, six of those opposing the latest amended plan.

They warn of the impact of the development on Pegwell nature reserve, the height of the apartment block, strain on community facilities and argue that it would be over-development.

Cliffsend Parish Council has also objected, accusing the developer of being "intent of repetitive submissions".

"(This is) similar in nature to earlier ones with the aim of wearing down opposition from local residents," said chairman Cllr Martin Rogers, in the submission.

Kent Police has also written to the council, stating it is unable to back the plans.

"Having reviewed the amended plans and documents, we have significant concerns about the potential for crime," the force said.

"The concerns include layout, lack of surveillance, recesses, physical security and boundary treatments."

But in a report, Thanet council's planning team recommend the planning committee, due to meet on Wednesday to discuss the scheme, should defer and delegate the development plan for approval.

The planning officers say it would give rise to employment during the construction phase and through the commercial use, and that the scheme would support shops and services and increase social interaction between residents.

"In terms of the environmental dimension of sustainable development, the development of seven dwellings, in a sustainable location is considered to satisfy economic and social objectives," she added.

In the design and access statement, a spokesman for Hume said: "Given the prominent corner location of the site and its unique position looking onto Pegwell Bay, its redevelopment presents an opportunity for giving the site a clear identity, through quality contemporary architecture and choice of suitable materials which will enhance the built character of this section of Sandwich Road.

"Furthermore, the proposed development will re-instate the site’s former function as a community meeting place, providing opportunity for local employment, as well as delivering much-needed and sustainably-located family homes and quality apartments."

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