Developers are hoping to hammer out an agreement to transform a closed DIY store into a wine bar.

The former Harry & Co hardware shop at 42 Harbour Street, Whitstable, has been left empty - but now plans have been submitted to give it a dramatic revamp.

The applicant has applied for change of use to convert it into a wine bar so it can join the dozens of eateries already in the centre of town.

It is based next to the Birdies restaurant with a public car back at the back of the store.

The building is a Victorian terrace and is currently shut and the vacant property is in desperate need of major make over.

The nuts and bolts of the application reveal plans to convert the building so it can start serving food and snacks as well as booze in the popular location.

The proposals submitted to the city council on August 25 include providing rear access into the first floor accommodation above by use of a new outside staircase.

Plans also state they will demolish the existing metal shed at the back and replace it with a new brick toilet block, if they are approved by the city council’s planning officers.

Other changes include extending the existing flat roof to increase the floor space for customers.

The application states: “The proposals will make the property more viable as a hospitality unit and will make good use of the land available.”

The applicants are confident it does not appear to undermine any local planning policies and feel the bid is “in keeping with its surroundings”.

Details of how many staff will be hired, the name of the new wine bar and the opening times of the new wine bar have not yet been revealed.

To view the full planning application, go to the city council’s planning portal and search CA/20/01869.

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