Six homes could be built on the car park of an “unviable” pub which has stood empty for two years.

Developers have eyed up a plot next to the Blean Tavern - formerly known as the Hare & Hounds - which is within a conservation area off the A290 at Blean Hill, Canterbury.

They propose building half-a-dozen three-bedroom houses and suggest the pub could still be reopened and operate alongside the new homes.

The pub dates back to the Victorian era and changed hands a number of times before closing in 2018

As part of the scheme, a new 16-space car park would be built behind the inn on an area of hardstanding and lawn previously used for petanque games.

The proposals, submitted to Canterbury City Council by Maidstone-based firm Prime Folio, state: “The pub has been unviable financially for some years, having changed hands a few times due to lack of custom, and most recently it has been closed for over a year.

“It has been marketed without success for the last six months and will continue to be.

"This will seriously impact on the volume of traffic on an already busy road..."

“The new car park and removal of the existing parking area from its demise does not reduce its value as a pub and is not expected to lower the level of interest in its future use as a pub.”

“The new car park would therefore be more than adequate to serve the pub, and would not result in reduced financial viability.”

Concerned villagers have rebuked the developers’ claim the pub has been on the market for six months.

They have also raised fears over increased traffic on the main stretch linking Whitstable and Canterbury.

Dr Bettina Crane said: “This will seriously impact on the volume of traffic on an already busy road as well as create problems entering into and out of the site via three different points.

“School pupils walk along this area and it could increase danger for pedestrians, particularly children, with more turning traffic as well as an increase in pollution levels.”

Dr Crane also expressed fears concerns over the ‘green’ credentials of the homes.

“The houses themselves are not environmentally friendly or future proofed as they provide no charging points for electric cars and they do not provide solar panels for either heating or power,” she said.

“Consequently they will increase the carbon footprint of the area.”

Another objector has asked for the number of new homes to be reduced to four.

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