An "unviable" events venue that "has become a victim of our time" is set to be flattened to make way for 10 new homes.

Plans to demolish The Townley in Ramsgate and replace it with a four-storey block of flats has been given the green light.

The wedding venue, which was previously described as a "hidden gem" on Ramsgate's High Street by reviewers, has "become a victim of our time and is now unsustainable," according to developers.

They also claim the redevelopment of the site will be "a catalyst for the regeneration and improvement of the local area".

Planning documents from The One Architecture state: "Over the past years despite our clients working tirelessly to market and operate the venue as a profit-making business, the fact is it has only been able to break even.

"The reality now is that Covid has changed everything."

The Townley was built before 1872.

It was then bombed during the Second World War, before being rebuilt by the Labour Party as their social club.

In the 1980s, it was used as a soup kitchen during the miners' strike.

However, Thanet District Council have deemed it no longer necessary as a community facility.

Permission has been granted for the four-storey building with six two-bed and four one-bed flats, promising to serve "the current need for housing in Thanet".

Developers plan to create the new building in a Victorian style to be in-keeping with its historic surroundings in Ramsgate's conservation area, including dormer windows and brick arches.

Original plans submitted were for 12 flats, but after concerns were raised over living conditions for neighbours, this was reduced to 10.