Bodies could be stored in a converted garage if controversial plans to turn part of a family home into a funeral directors are approved.

Partners Carl Hadaway and Joanna Denton want to open the parlour at their three-bedroom home in Magazine Road, Ashford, opposite the junction with Albert Road.

But angry residents have described the plan as “truly awful and crass” - with almost 20 people writing to Ashford Borough Council objecting to the proposal.

Stuart Fotheringham, who lives nearby, said it is "entirely inappropriate" for a residential area.

"There is plenty of commercial property in the town," he said.

"There is no need to bring commercial into the heart of one of Ashford's oldest residential areas.

"I object because this is entirely tasteless and inappropriate to be place in visible distance of old people's residence - it is truly awful and crass."

If approved, the business would be called Hadaway and Denton Independent Funeral Directors and would be open from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

'This is entirely tasteless and inappropriate...' - Stuart Fotheringham

One reception room at the home would be split into an office and a chapel, allowing mourners to view their loved ones in a "small, comfortable area" according to the applicants.

The office would become the main entrance for families arranging a funeral, while the garage would be converted and used as a cold room and store.

An air conditioning unit to maintain a low temperature to ensure hygienic standards would be fitted in the storeroom, while the front garden would be used to park any visiting vehicles and cars used by the family.

Mr Hadaway and Miss Denton say the removal of bodies from the cold store would be completed with "high levels of discretion" so "it would not be viewable by passers-by or neighbours".

But resident Maureen Giles said the plan will cause "great distress" if approved.

She said: "This is a totally inappropriate use for this property in a residential area.

"My neighbours and I are also concerned about the increase in vehicular traffic - Magazine Road is a very busy highway, and the property is very close to the busy junction with Albert Road.

"Large vehicles such as hearses would be difficult to manoeuvre in and out of the driveway and would create traffic hazards."

Mr Hadaway and Miss Denton say they will be hiring a hearse and limousine for every funeral.

An experienced motor vehicle engineer, Mr Hadaway worked at Charing crematorium and was previously manager of Earl & Co funeral directors in Albemarle Road.

Miss Denton - a trained classical musician - would assist with arranging, bookkeeping and administration.

In their planning application, the pair say: "We are here to serve the people of Ashford and it would not be in our interests to ever cause offence to the community.

"We reiterate our aim stands to provide a needed service with dignity and care.

"As a professional couple we want to contribute to the community of Ashford - we believe that the people of Ashford deserve a local independent funeral director."

The pair say the property - which they will live in - will not see a "vast increase in people coming and going", with only one family visit at any one time permitted.

They added: "Although the changes to the property are minimal we are keen to reinforce our aims as a professional couple in the community and highlight the links with Ashford previously established by Carl.

"We are aware that it is not a common place proposal and desire to show that we have reflected upon any possible concerns over the nature of our business."

To view the plans, visit Ashford's website and search for the 17/01878/AS application.