An eye-catching bid to transform disused storage sheds into a seaside microbrewery has been launched.

The Whitstable Oyster Company has submitted proposals to Canterbury City Council to move its drinking hole from its existing site in Grafty Green in Maidstone to Reculver Lane, Herne Bay.

The firm, headed by James Green, believes the scheme will regenerate that section of the Kent coastline.

A spokesman for the organisation said: “The project will help to revitalise this area of the North Kent coast and bring the Whitstable Brewery to its own bespoke premises close to Whitstable itself. The expansion will result in four new full-time jobs.

“The plans form part of a scheme that will also see investment into the Reculver Oyster Hatchery site that will mark the Whitstable Oyster Company’s continued commitment to both the oyster industry and to local produce in the area.”

The company says a tasting area will be built at the Reculver site, allowing visitors to sample freshly-brewed beers and take part in tours.

Planning documents show the new brewery will have 11 fermenting tanks, a bottling and canning station, offices and a kitchen.

They add: “The brewery would have an outdoor seating area to allow visitors to enjoy an uninterrupted view of the Reculver Towers, the beach and adjoining countryside.

“The development would help the council to achieve its aim of improving... and upgrading this area of Reculver and the wider country park and provide an additional tourist attraction.”

At its Maidstone site, the brewery serves Kentish lagers, Pilsners, pale ales, bitters, stouts and fruit-flavoured beers.

The Whitstable Oyster Company has also unveiled plans to build four two-bedroom holiday lets and erect 64 glamping pods next to Reculver Caravan Park.

The 4,800sqm plot, owned by the city council, was home to as many 200 caravans before it was cleared and turned into grazing land seven years ago.

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