The owner of a soon-to-open US diner has had to take its signs down after erecting them without permission.

Burger Base will open after lockdown in Faversham Road, Kennington, and refurbishment has been ongoing for weeks.

But signs put up at the front of the former Essentials gift shop have now been removed just weeks after they appeared.

When KentOnline contacted business owner Ash Miah about the move, he said it was due to water damage and declined to comment further.

However an Ashford Borough Council spokesman said: "The signage that was put up needed advertisement consent, so the agent dealing with the application was advised of this and that the sign should be removed."

This comes while a planning application to extend Sunday operating hours - from 8am to 11pm - in line with the rest of the week is currently being considered by the authority.

Previously the application had attracted negative comments from residents regarding traffic and smells, but recently Mr Miah - who runs the adjoining Kennington Tandoori and Cinnamon Spice at Eureka Place - appears to have addressed neighbours' concerns.

Faversham Road resident David Morton wrote: "I have lived here for a number of years with my wife and children I have never had any issues with the Indian restaurant that is based there with parking issues or unwanted smells.

"From what I have seen and heard is that the refitting of the shop has been done by local businesses which is great for the community in these current times.

"The owner has given much-needed work to the local community and I think he therefore should be praised.

"I cannot foresee any issues with more traffic as it is a busy road anyway and I for one, as a family man, welcome a new business in the community and the work he has given local businesses."

Mr Miah has kept busy during the lockdown, donating more than 2,000 meals to homeless charities and the NHS.

Search 21/00070/AS in the Ashford Borough Council planning portal for more information or to comment.

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