A top-rated restaurant on the Kent coast plans to increase in size, adding a wine and coffee bar to its seaside offerings.

Between its inside dining area and outdoor seating, Jetty Broadstairs at the town's Viking Bay can currently serve about 50 people.

But bistro boss Christian Miles hopes to double that capacity by expanding the restaurant into the sheltered area on the harbour.

“The plan is to build a coffee/wine bar and create a little more space for the restaurant as well,” explained Mr Miles, Jetty Broadstairs’ co-owner.

“That should allow us to accommodate another 10 people in the bistro and another 40 or so at the wine bar.

“It’s a big investment so it’s a bit scary, but we’re hoping this will benefit not only us but also the local area by creating more jobs and increasing tourism.”

The proposed £500,000 revamp would also include fitting the eatery with a formal entrance and putting in toilets and baby-changing facilities.

The plan is due to be considered by Thanet District Council at a planning meeting next week, but has so far received a mostly favourable response from Broadstairs residents.

Matthew Steeples says the harbour space in its present state is “of no use to man nor beast” and welcomed the proposed changes.

“As a resident living just up the hill from the Jetty Broadstairs, I wholeheartedly support this proposal,” commented Mr Steeples on the council’s planning website.

“The current derelict, windswept area is not an appealing place to spend time and expanding a popular restaurant into it will benefit both locals and visitors.”

But other residents argue the extension would mean a “loss of public space” and objected to the harbour being “turned over for commercial use”.

“Broadstairs is rightly well known as an attractive, traditional seaside resort", commented an anonymous resident.

“These qualities can easily be eroded by over commercialisation, as represented by this proposal."

However, documents submitted to the council argue the proposed extensions “would not cause harm nor affect the setting of the Broadstairs conservation area”.

Also included in the proposal is the provision of six new benches to be positioned on the harbour for public use.

“It’s an amazing spot and we want to do it justice,” added Mr Miles.

“We’re not taking up every square foot of space on the harbour - we’re taking up a good amount, but we are still making sure there will be space for people to shelter there."

If the plans are approved, construction would begin around October and would likely take four to six weeks of work, during which time the restaurant would be closed.

But once finished, Mr Miles says Jetty Broadstairs would offer a wider selection of wines, beers and “snacky bar food”.

A decision on the plans, which have been recommended for approval by Thanet District Council officers, will be made on Wednesday evening.