Scores of villagers have voiced their support for a long-awaited wine bar in Chilham after developers uncorked revised plans to open for business.

A previous bid to turn a 14th century building in the village square into the Tudor Peacock was rejected by council planning chiefs earlier this year amid noise fears.

Unimpressed neighbours expressed concerns at how the area's "unrivalled tranquillity" would be ruined as a result of the wine-tasting venue, and how evening life would be made "unbearable".

But after failing at the first time of asking, applicants had no sour grapes and quickly pieced together a tweaked plan.

The proposal has gained strong backing from residents and village visitors, with 100 comments being submitted in support of the bid.

Ryder Blakeley, landlord of Chilham's White Horse pub, is among those to back the plan.

"It would help to create more interest and footfall throughout the village and, as such, keep the square alive," he said.

"I feel it to be a tragedy and a disgrace that there are empty properties in the locality and am at a total loss in understanding how anybody might perceive any possible venture willing to invest in Chilham as negative."

Fellow supporter Matisse Martin states how "the wine bar will lift and energise the village", while Phillipa Palmar says it is a "great idea to showcase our local produce".

Bottles and samples from the likes of Chapel Down, Hush Heath and Domaine Evremond are planned to be available from the mid-terrace property, and delicacies such as Whitstable oysters and local cheeses are to be on the food menu.

Developers, who have gained the backing of 40 investors, hope to boast "Kent’s biggest selection of Kentish wines under one roof".

"The wine producers of Kent are expanding their production, and their growing global recognition, make them ideal partners for The Tudor Peacock and the village," planning papers state.

"The timing is also ideal as the first sparkling wine produced from fruit grown in Chilham (by Domaine Evremond) is expected in 2023."

The proposals for the former Peacock Antiques Tudor Lodge gift shop have again attracted a handful of objections, with the main concern revolving around nuisance noise generated from the business.

In the previous application one critic suggested the "screech" of diners moving chairs would be too frustrating to live with.

Ashford Borough Council rejected the bid as it "would give rise to an unacceptable level of noise and disturbance to residents" - causing them "significant harm" due to poor soundproofing in the Grade II-listed building.

In their new plans, applicants say noise levels will be "acceptable".

There will no longer be any outdoor dining, and the opening hours will be from 10am to 6pm Sunday to Thursday, and 10am to 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays.