A main road through Whitstable is shutting for more than a month so work can be carried out on a seafront development.

Sea Street closes today, and is expected to remain closed until April 5, while work is carried out on the Tile Warehouse redevelopment.

The work forms part of a project by Sea Street Developments Ltd - headed up by Oyster Company boss James Green - which will see a complex featuring townhouses and holiday apartments built on the site formerly occupied by the Oval Chalet and tile warehouse.

The new premises will comprise eight family properties and seven one-bedroom holiday homes, as well as a café or commercial building, open space with tiered seating and sea views, a landscaped garden open to the public and two privately-run public toilets.

While Sea Street is closed, the flow of traffic will be reversed up Harbour Street, and all westbound traffic will be diverted through Cromwell Road.

In a letter sent to residents, building firm Westridge Construction Ltd said: “We apologise in advance for the disruption that these works may cause. We will aim to complete the works sooner if possible.”

Site manager Lee Bowen said: “We are currently digging and concreting foundations and installing drainage and mains services. There will be some road improvements during the road closure, along with bringing gas and water services into the new development and the connection to the sewer which sits in the middle of the road.”