A fast food takeaway which has faced constant backlash since plans were first announced three years ago is finally set to open.

Wraps and Wings is launching its first Kent branch in Palace Street, Canterbury next to The King's School entrance.

The proposals for The King's Mile property were first submitted in 2021 but have been greeted with repeated obstacles including planning delays, mass objections and arguments over late-night delivery drivers.

Undeterred though, director Vaqas Farook has confirmed the eatery will open by January at “the very latest”.

He told KentOnline: “The issue that we faced is that we can only do work in the half-term because of the school.

“We've got a good relationship with them and they've kind of asked us to do the majority of the work when schools are off.

“We secured the lease three years ago now and Wraps and Wings as a whole have probably opened 10 branches in that time.

“It is exciting. We are looking forward to it.”

First unveiling plans to take over the site in July 2021, it took almost two years for the city council to sign off the planning application – with many objectors concerned over the use of the site, which has historical significance.

In the past, the property has housed a tailor, a confectioner, a stamp shop and a joke shop before most recently hosting an arts cafe.

And last year, the firm’s bid to use late-night delivery drivers sparked a row – with many residents left aghast by the plans.

Cllr Michael Dixey (Lib Dem) and Cllr Pip Hazelton (Lab) were among the many objectors, with Cllr Dixey warning it would “create a dangerous precedent” and approving it “will be the thin end of the wedge undermining our policy on core hours”.

Despite their protests, the city council agreed to the use of electric bikes and vehicles to deliver burgers and shakes until 4am.

Allaying the concerns, Mr Farook, who set up the firm with three friends after studying at the University of Kent, argued they would employ their own staff rather than use services like Uber or Deliveroo, between 11pm and 4am.

He stressed the firm, which has about 30 takeaways in the UK, would use “silent delivery” in the small hours - with their riders using electric vehicles and bicycles.

Wraps and Wings prides itself on making "memorable" and "flavour-packed" burgers, snacks and shakes.

It has a number of branches in London and a takeaway presence in cities such as Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester.