Hopes a 300-year-old pub could soon reopen have been boosted after plans to breathe new life into the derelict building were given the go-ahead.

The Cross Keys in Canterbury has been empty for the last three years after the floor in its toilets collapsed, revealing a 20ft-deep well that rendered the building unsafe.

The pandemic later stalled owner Star Pubs & Bars' vision to completely renovate and transform the Grade II-listed site in Oaten Hill into a "modern and quirky" tavern.

But now proposals - which are expected to boost the watering hole's viability - have been approved by the city council.

Reacting to the authority's decision, a Star spokesman said: "We’re delighted planning permission has been granted for the major refurbishment.

“It will see this 17th century pub fully restored, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere, excellent food and drinks at affordable prices.

“All we need now is the right person to take the pub forward.”

The company has been searching for someone to take on the building for more than a year.

Plans to refurbish the historic structure - which were lodged with the council in July - include refinishing the floors, installing a lead roof and removing the existing smoking shelter.

Papers show Star wants to construct a new pergola in the garden in a bid to "provide an undercover seating area and make the area more usable throughout the year".

"We feel our proposals have been designed to improve the layout of the existing property," planning documents submitted to the authority add.

"They will improve the appearance of the site, helping to support the public house and making the business more viable."

"The major refurbishment will see this 17th century pub fully restored, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere..."

At the time of the cave-in, maintenance workers originally sent in to repair the structure's crumbling floor discovered a 12ft-wide hole underneath.

A team of specialist structural engineers were then tasked with surveying the cavity with cameras carefully lowered down.

When the hole was first found Justin Prior, of Faversham firm Design i.d., said: “We think it is probably a well, but it is certainly a very big, black hole.

“The internal structural damage is minimal.”

Star, which is part of the Heineken group, had only recently purchased the inn from Punch Taverns when the incident took place.

Even before The Cross Keys had to shut its doors a major renovation was in the works but in the years since the plans have been tweaked.

The original proposal featured the creation of six "boutique letting rooms" on the upper floors. This plan has since been scrapped.

At the time, Star said the scheme would transform the pub from "a tired drinker’s local into a modern and quirky space, perfect for the town’s discerning customers and growing student population".

The tavern was originally opened as the Trumpet in 1687, but within the next decade its name had changed to the Cross Keys.

Approving the latest refurbishment plans, city council officers noted the project "would preserve the special historic and architectural interest of the listed building".