A historic roadside pub is set to close after plans were submitted to convert it into flats.
The George and New Territories, in Teynham, between Sittingbourne and Faversham, has served punters for hundreds of years.
The George and New Territories public house.Views of London Road, Teynham.Picture: Andy Payton FM2972017
But now the owners of the watering hole at 76 London Road have put forward change-of-use proposals that would end its life as a pub and Chinese takeaway restaurant.
If the plans are approved by Swale Borough Council, they would be allowed to convert the Grade Two-listed building, which sits next to The Swan pub, into apartments.
Documents submitted by Dawn Hennesey say business is struggling to survive in the current economic environment.
“Energy costs have doubled, the build is inefficient in terms of energy usage, and the cost of living has decimated people’s free cash to spend,” they reasoned.
The news comes after the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) reported that two British pubs closed a day in the first quarter of this year.
The George and New Territories pub and restaurant, London Road, Teynham.Picture: Andy Payton
Inside the main three-story building, there would be seven apartments – six one-bedroom and a single one-bedroom.
The project includes building a new one-storey outbuilding at the rear of the property that would have a two-bedroom flat inside. The existing outbuilding would also have a two-bedroom apartment.
There would be 11 car parking spaces for the tenants at the site, which is thought to date back to the 1600s.
If it closes as a pub, it would leave The Swan and The Dover Castle as the only pubs in Teynham.
The owners declined to comment further on the plans.
Swale council has set a determination deadline of June 26 for it to approve or reject the proposals.