An historic town centre pub is set to reopen its hotel rooms for paying guests as part of a planned extension.

National pub chain J.D Wetherspoon took over The County Hotel in Lower High Street, Ashford in 1998, but decided to focus the business on being a restaurant and bar.

But now the company has put forward plans to build an extension with two new floors at the rear of the building to create a total of 20 new en-suite rooms.

Kentish Express historian Steve Salter says the grade-II listed building still boasts historic features such as a section of ceiling reportedly salvaged from the Crystal Palace after its destruction by fire in 1936.

It used to be run by the Courage brewery, when it was known as the Fernley Commercial and the Temperance Hotel, and it used to include a ballroom with a sprung dance floor.

Mr Salter said: “For decades Ashford was never really one for the trendy eaterie or gastro-pub. It was a town of traditional public houses selling alcohol and bar snacks.

“There was, however, also a time when the small number of hotels in the town either stepped up a gear to keep up with the times, or even changed their identity completely.

“Many of the old rooms have been left in their gutted state with fixtures and fittings removed and floorboards exposed. Some were converted into toilets and staff accommodation.

“It is sad that the other rooms and the space above The County are going to waste and many would say the chain should convert these back to hotel rooms due to a need for accommodation in the town centre.”

KD Paine & Associates Ltd has put together a planning statement on behalf of Wetherspoons, and say there will be no need for any demolition work.

The company also states the building will not see any changes to its appearance at the front of the building, which is part of the town’s historic conservation area.

To view the plans visit the planning section at www.ashford.go.uk and search for reference 17/00191/AS.