Demolition of an historic village pub has begun – despite the building being listed as an asset of community value.

Contractors have started to knock down the White Hart pub in Claygate, Marden, on the corner of Spenny Land and the B2162 Collier Street.

Maidstone council granted planning permission to L&G Holdings in February for the pub to be pulled down and replaced with four homes consisting of one terrace of three, and one detached cottage

The pub had been operated by Shepherd Neame since 2008, but closed in June 2016.

It had offered a children's play area and a 40-cover restaurant as well as two bars. It was sold for £531,000.

The building had been a public house since 1861 when George Hemsley was the first licensee.

An earlier application for nine houses on the site was refused in March 2019.

Planning application 20/503935 refers.

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