A leading Kent winemaker has unveiled plans to build a new cafe to cater for the growing number of visitors to its popular vineyard.

Chapel Down Winery, near Tenterden, wants to demolish a greenhouse and convert part of an existing warehouse next to an existing shop to create the eatery.

Architect Hollaway Studios has released eye-catching images of the proposed cafe, which would serve the 65,000 people a year enjoying tours and experiences at the site.

It would have indoor and outdoor seating – the latter on a covered terrace – suitable for various functions, including business, performance and dining events.

In documents submitted to Ashford Borough Council (ABC), the architect adds: “Chapel Down is England’s leading wine producer with an award-winning range of sparking and still wines, located in the beautiful Kent countryside.

“A vast number of people visit the vineyard each year, and at present, there is no cafe for them to sit and rest on site.

“This building has been chosen to be converted due to its close proximity to the shop entrance, where the wine tours begin and end.

“The Glass House is disused and unsuitable for the new proposal, as it is closed off and unsafe.

“The proposed replacement structure will be used as an open, flexible seating area designed for various functions, such as business, performance and dining events.

“The proposal links into the existing public space, allowing guests to flow between the main shop, cafe and external seating area.”

Additional parking is not planned for the site, as the proposed cafe is intended to extend the stay of guests already on-site rather than attract additional visitors.

No objections have been raised against the application, which was submitted earlier this month.

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Last week, it was also announced that Chapel Down's profits had almost been wiped out in the last six months.

This followed a separate announcement confirming its chief executive, Andrew Carter, had resigned to take up the same role at West Yorkshire brewer Timothy Taylor & Co.

Chapel Down also stated earlier this year that it was open to a sale to fund its ambitious expansion plans.

It includes proceeding with plans for a new £32 million winery near Canterbury, which was the subject of a recent legal battle.

A decision is expected on the proposed cafe later this year.