The demolition of a 19th-century pub destroyed in a devastating fire has been described as the “end of an era”.

The Chilton Tavern in Pegwell Road, Ramsgate, was gutted in a suspected arson attack two years ago.

Despite the efforts of fire crews, the building suffered extensive interior damage and was left without a roof.

The pub – which dates back to 1871 – had long been closed at the time, having shut its doors in 2019 after "takings decreased considerably".

Now the site is set to be turned into homes, with bulldozers rolling in yesterday to tear down the blackened shell.

The construction of the new houses will bring to an end a long-running planning saga stretching back six years.

There had been three applications to develop the site before the fire and all were rejected.

The first was in 2018 for three houses, while a second in 2020 proposed converting the first floor into flats.

In April 2021 a third bid was submitted to demolish the pub and build a terrace of five homes on the site.

Thanet District Council failed to rule on the application in time, so it was instead decided on appeal by the Planning Inspectorate in November 2022 – just weeks after the fire.

The inspector said the development would have been an “overly bulky structure in a prominent position", noting that before the blaze the pub “was clearly recognisable for what it was and had a certain charm”.

Developers finally secured permission last August for four three-bedroom homes, despite a number of objections from residents.

Now locals have expressed their sadness at seeing the once great pub torn down.

Angi Edwards said: “It’s the end of an era,” while Stuart Bleazard added: “This is such a shame. It was a lovely little pub.”

Andrew Hodder shared similar sentiments, calling it a “great pub in its day”.

Lucy Silver commented on the noise of the demolition work starting.

“I live about five doors up and I was laid in bed thinking it was thunder this morning,” she said.

“I couldn’t work out the noise, then walked the dog and [the pub] was gone.”