Plans to refurbish a historic pub have sparked a huge backlash from hundreds of residents over fears it could lose its music venue.

Bosses at brewery giant Shepherd Neame have lodged proposals with Canterbury City Council to revamp the popular Grade II-listed Duke of Cumberland in Whitstable High Street.

But the application has been followed by the launch of a petition demanding the boozer keep its status as a live music venue.

The leader of the campaign, Jenny Buncombe, says her fears were sparked after Shepherd Neame made no mention of the site continuing to be used in the same way.

"It is the beating heart of Whitstable," the Westmeads Road resident said.

"People who visit the town are so envious we have this.

"There are pubs which have pop cover bands which are great - but this is something special.

"What usually happens is people are sat down but about halfway through people are stood up dancing."

Ms Buncombe started a written petition before Christmas, but has since launched an online campaign which has amassed an impressive total of more than 1,800 signatures.

It calls for live music to be saved at The Duke, which dates back more than 300 years.

Dozens of punters gathered outside the town centre site this weekend to show their support for the petition.

And when approached by KentOnline this week, the brewery did not confirm whether the pub would retain its music venue when asked specifically about the matter.

Ms Buncombe also believes renovation work could "kill" the venue if it is given a modern makeover.

"It has chocolate brown walls inside and is covered with iconic paintings of musicians and a Victorian skylight in the ceiling," she added.

"What it isn’t is magnolia-painted, clean, smart and modern, which would absolutely kill it.

"It feels warm and club-like and the lighting is brilliant."

She says a number of musicians from across Europe and the US have played at the venue, which Guardian readers voted one of the best live music pubs in the UK in 2019.

Luke Pritchard of indie band The Kooks performed an impromptu set at the premises in August.

"The venue shouldn’t be swept away - it's a huge part of Whitstable social life," Ms Buncombe continued.

"The regular Sunday afternoon music is the social heart for so many people where they meet friends and it is a wonderful thing to have in this town."

Although Ms Buncombe understands Shepherd Neame needs to make a profit, she says the firm may be persuaded to keep the music venue "once it sees the strength of feeling".

The brewery has submitted plans to the city council to make changes inside and outside the Grade II-listed building.

"It is the beating heart of Whitstable - this is something special..."

Other work includes new staff accommodation and refurbishing the ground floor - which includes fitting new seats and relocating the toilets.

Shepherd Neame’s managing director of pubs Jonathon Swaine said: "We can confirm that as part of ongoing investment in our estate, Shepherd Neame is planning to refurbish The Duke of Cumberland.

"Our plans are formative at this stage, but we are hoping to refurbish the rooms and the interior of the pub, and have submitted a planning application to the local authority relating to some minor alterations.

"Our aim, as with all our refurbishments, is to respect the tradition of the pub and to enhance its individuality and unique character."

Originally called the Noah's Ark, its name was changed to the Duke William in 1747, before being called the Duke of Cumberland the following year.

A blaze swept through the building in 1866 and it was rebuilt in 1878.