Plans to transform a former seafront nightspot into a restaurant have been approved.

Bosses at The Front in Central Parade, which was previously the Talk of the Town nightclub, have been considering its future for a number of months.

They submitted a planning application to convert it into a restaurant last year and have now had the scheme approved by the city council.

Herne Bay Chamber of Commerce’s Michael Khoury, who owns the building, said: “We are hoping to start work very soon.

“We are not going to jump into anything but we will wait and see what the market wants.

“We want it to be a success and we wantto attract someone who is competent and knows what they are doing to run the place.”

The Front, which opened in 2015, aimed to attract clientele over the age of 25.

Bosses hoped to draw top musicians, bands and comedians but the venue held its last event last June.

"There was no point going in the nightclub direction again..." - Michael Khoury

Mr Khoury now hopes to turn it into a Italian, Nepalese or Greek restaurant, if he can find a suitable leaseholder.

“The restaurant would add a little bit of spice to the town – it will be something different,” he added.

“There are still a few obstacles to overcome, but we will get over them and we will go from there.

“There was no point going in the nightclub direction again – nobody wants a club these days.”

Dr Nick Black, of Central Parade, supports the development, which includes alterations to the first-floor windows.

“This proposed change of use and the necessary alterations are very welcome,” he said.

“A restaurant with sea views will be a welcome addition to the seafront and contribute to the reinvigoration of the area.”

Canterbury City Council planning officer Guy Wilson granted the application.

He said: “The proposed change of use is acceptable, and the development would preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area.

“It would not be detrimental to the living conditions of neighbours.”

Views divided on flats plan

Plans to build a five-storey block of flats close to the striking Bun Penny development have split opinion in the town.

Builders hoped to knock down ugly buildings on the corner of Market Street and Central Parade and build 14 apartments and a ground-floor shop in its place.

Their plans were rejected by the city council and were turned down on appeal last month.
But Sarjanda, the Dorset developer behind the plans, has submitted an almost identical application to the city council, cutting the number of apartments from 14 to 12.

A public consultation on the new plans closed last week and received contrasting views from residents.

Sheila Martin said: “I am totally opposed to the building extending above the existing skyline of the other properties in that row of buildings.”

But supporter T. Davison wrote on the city council’s planning website: “The plans look fabulous. I am very glad someone is willing to improve the street facing the seafront.”

The plans are being considered by Canterbury City Council.