A pub company says its plans to erect a house on part of a village boozer’s car park will help ensure the business’s future – but not everyone is convinced.

Punch Pubs has drawn up plans to erect the four-bed home on land behind the Sir John Falstaff, in Higham, between Gravesend and Strood.

It also looks to change the Grade-II listed public house’s car park and beer garden.

Speaking to KentOnline, a spokesperson for the pub and bar operator said: “Our application will support the local housing needs of Higham, with proceeds also being invested back into the Sir John Falstaff pub.

“We are working closely with our new publican, Amy, who will be introducing a fantastic food offering, which we know will be welcomed by the community.”

The Sir John Falstaff is believed to have been built in the late 18th or early 19th century but the applicant says the scheme would cause “less than substantial harm to the heritage significance” if approved.

In the submitted design and access statement, it states the application looks to use only part of the existing car park to build the property on and will then extend it to ensure there is “no loss of parking for patrons”.

The new house, in Gravesend Road, will have two allocated spaces with 21 still in use for punters – a reduction of two – if plans get the green light.

The planning statement concluded: “The proposed development will ensure that the existing public house on the site is retained and remains viable, despite part of the car park being redeveloped, and that a valued community facility continues to be provided in this location.

“There is no clear reason to refuse the proposed development.”

Punch Pubs was approached for further comment as to how the plans – and the money raised from the new build – would specifically help secure and shape the pub’s future.

But the absence of more detail has prompted some villagers to fear it is only a matter of time until the firm eventually sells their beloved boozer off – a fate befitting many other drinking holes in the area.

The village only has two pubs left. Nearby, the Chequers Inn in Church Street, lower Higham closed in 2008, and the Railway Tavern in Chequers Street shut for good in 2014.

Both were later converted into residential properties despite opposition.

Conor – who did not wish to give his surname – said: “I suspect the plan is to then sell off the pub to turn it into flats like the other two pubs in Higham.

“The best thing to do would be the community asset route.”

At the time of writing, 30 objections had been submitted against the plans and only one had been written in support.

Conor, who is against the idea, added: “The road it is planning to be on is dangerous.

“If a four-bedroom house is put on that plot, anyone with a family could be putting pets and small children in danger if they run out onto that road.”

Another resident who has lived in the village for a decade said he was “vehemently” against the proposals.

He had already objected to them over concerns it is “not in-keeping” with the area’s heritage and would “blight existing properties”.

In his view, the area does not have the infrastructure or social amenities to support new residents.

He added: “Punch Pubs should be considering how they support the village rather than simply profit from it.”

You can view the plans here or visit the council’s planning portal here and search for reference 20231010.

To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.

A decision is expected by January 10.