Snodland residents are in shock after it was announced that a historic town centre pub will be replaced by a supermarket next autumn.

The Bull, which has been on the corner of Holborough Road and Constitution Hill since 1881, was closed two weeks ago.

Owner, Enterprise Inns, has now confirmed that The Co-Operative Group has acquired the lease.

Local Liberal Democrat candidate for Snodland East, Luke Chapman, has launched an online petition on the grounds that people in the town should have been informed about the plans.

The 21-year-old said: “I am utterly shocked that residents haven’t been consulted on this, it is a major development for Snodland. I am also shocked that elected borough councillors haven’t asked for constituents’ views on this matter.

"Snodland used to be very well known for its independent shops, if this development goes ahead it will be a very corporate town.”

A spokesman for the chain confirmed there are plans to expand the site to accommodate the 3,000 sq ft store, which will open as a replacement to the Co-Op’s 46-48 High Street premises but will not affect the shop at number 11 of the same road.

An Enterprise Inns spokesman said: “Trade at The Bull has fallen to such an extent that we do not believe it can continue successfully as a licensed premises. After careful consideration, we decided to explore alternative uses and have agreed a lease which will secure the property’s future and see it continue as a community asset.”

Chairman of Snodland Town Council, Cllr Anne Moloney, said: “We regret losing a pub but are happy to welcome a business that will offer good options to the local community.

“As a town we still have two pubs and two working men’s clubs. I am yet to meet someone in the town who is opposed to the Co-Op plan.”

Co-Op is yet to request advice from Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s planning department on whether permission is required for the change of use, with the decision hinging on whether the premises is classed as a pub or a hotel.

Local resident, Neil Vinall, said: “The Bull is a building of architectural merit and we have fewer buildings like it left in the centre of Snodland. When we moved here nine years ago, we moved into a community, not a housing estate.”