An architect has revealed his vision to improve social distancing in a busy street by axing parking.

Arne Karlsen, 74, has tabled his proposal to revamp Harbour Street in Whitstable as he predicts the area could be rammed this summer due to a staycation boom.

It would mean the parking spaces outside the VC Jones fish shop and the Tudor Restaurant and Tearooms would be removed and paved over.

He says this would give more room to people, helping them to keep socially distanced, during the busiest periods.

It is also hoped this would make the area more attractive and enable trees to be installed, while allowing space for bars and restaurants to put tables and chairs on the street.

Mr Karlsen said: "I think it is going to be very busy this summer because there will be a lot of staycations in England and people will be visiting Whitstable.

"The pavement on the west side of Harbour Street is very narrow and you get people bumping into each other all of the time because there is not enough room.

"You could widen the pavement by taking the parking away on the patch of the road and it will mean the bars and shops can spread out onto the area.

"It will benefit them because they can put tables and chairs out there, and have more customers."

Mr Karlsen believes paving the area would allow trees and planters with flowers in to be installed, arguing they would improve the environment and give the street a "different feel".

But the London resident, who has not been able to regularly visit his wife in Whitstable due to the lockdowns, argues removing the parking spaces would not have a great impact.

"They are limited parking spaces and you can only stay there for an hour," the architect of almost 50 years added.

"There is a big car park behind Harbour Street and the town will benefit from having better pavements."

This is not the first time suggestions have been tabled on how to improve the road.

Cllr Neil Baker (Con) suggested last summer a one-way system for shoppers in Harbour Street should be introduced as a way to maintain social distancing on the narrow streets.

He said residents were worried about the potential for huge crowds when non-essential businesses reopened in June.

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