A Harvester is set for “much-needed” upgrades as plans to turn it into a “vibrant destination” have been given the green light.

An application to revamp the dining room and outdoor areas at the Ashford restaurant was submitted earlier this year.

One neighbour expressed concerns about new lighting being installed in the Harvester’s garden and front seating area, saying: “My property is lit up more than Picadilly Circus”.

But Ashford Borough Council (ABC) officers have approved the scheme, which also includes new floodlighting on the walkway connecting the Grade II-listed barn to the main restaurant.

The dining room will have a new layout to improve accessibility to the ground floor, with the aim of creating a more “functional and inclusive” space.

The barn, which houses the bar at the front of the building in Canterbury Road, will be left untouched.

Writing on the council’s planning portal, Karen Fiander raised concerns that the new lighting would shine brightly into her property.

She added: “Floodlighting is already a problem from the garden centre and doctors' surgery, which gives way to heavy light pollution at night.

“I have roof windows to my upstairs bedroom, and my property is lit up more than Picadilly Circus.

“It stops me sleeping despite already having blackout blinds, so I have to object to any extra lighting proposed.”

But ABC officers said the additional lighting was limited and would not cause “material harm” to neighbours.

Their report added: “Proposals which preserve or enhance the significance of a heritage asset and the contribution it makes to the character and distinctiveness of the local area will be supported.”

Previously, bosses at Harvester’s parent company Mitchells and Butlers said the plans would ensure the “long-term viability” of the restaurant.

In planning documents, they added: “The proposed works seek to ensure the public house will continue to be a vibrant destination, assisting in helping to retain and attract new patrons.”

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The applicants have been contacted for comment.