A bid has been launched to open a town centre bar inside a “vacant and neglected” railway arch.

The Made Inn - which describes itself as a taproom - has revealed plans to open its third Kent branch beneath the old, reportedly haunted, train line in Oxford Street, Whitstable.

Company boss Steve Sitton says the site, which previously housed Moroccan restaurant Alimo, “will require a significant level of investment to bring it up to a great standard”, having sat empty for the last two years.

In planning papers lodged with Canterbury City Council, the businessman argues: “This site has been left empty and neglected for some time now.

“The Made Inn will make the optimal use of the current vacant railway arch.

“The taproom will have 24 ever-changing draught craft beers, six ever-changing draught ciders and an exquisite selection of artisanal spirits to excite the tastebuds.”

Bosses from The Made Inn are hoping to convert the former restaurant-kitchen into a snug, while the rest of the building will be decked out with second-hand and reclaimed furniture.

This comes after Mr Sitton shelved proposals to transform the former post office in Gladstone Road into his first bar in Whitstable.

The decision was made amid fears from neighbours it was the wrong place for a pub and would lead to late-night noise and nuisance.

In his latest application, Mr Sitton stresses the watering hole will have a “low-key” approach to noise.

He adds: “We aspire to provide a comfortable and safe environment for craft enthusiasts to explore the exciting and ever-changing produce of micro-operators across the country.

“We look forward to welcoming residents of Whitstable in the extremely near future.”

Alimo closed towards the end of 2019 after its owners announced their business was “not viable”.

Bosses from the eatery had claimed seven years ago that the space was haunted by the ghost of a 19th-century French rail worker, reputedly called Joseph, and his son.

The business previously claimed the spectres would tread the length of the former platform above the restaurant.

Mr Sitton wants his new establishment to operate until 11.30pm during the week and until 12.30am on Friday and Saturday nights.

The Made Inn already has a branch in Ashford, and is in the process of opening another in Maidstone.

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