An irate ice cream man has had a meltdown over a council's handling of his bid to pitch a vintage van on a quayside.

Frankie Fernando is seeking permission to set up on the Stade in Folkestone in a prime spot overlooking the harbour, but his application was thrown out at a planning meeting.

The 58-year-old businessman claims this is because a councillor - who was not expected to vote on the application - cast a vote against the proposal.

As a result of the mix-up, the matter will now have to go back before the Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) planning committee for reconsideration at a future meeting.

Mr Fernando has since told KentOnline of his anger at the handling of his application - which led to his agent submitting a formal complaint to the local authority.

"I come from a background where I fight the fight," he said following the meeting.

"That was a total, total farce last night, a complete injustice.

"When they had to give a reason why they decided against it, they were rallying around and they couldn't come up with anything."

The planning meeting heard from opponents of the application who fear increased congestion on the Stade if more businesses are allowed to set up there.

In total, six councillors voted to refuse the application, with four voting in favour. One member abstained.

A motion was then passed by the numbers to refuse on the grounds that approval would "result in a visually cramped and cluttered appearance to this part of the promenade" and would "cause an obstruction to the free flow of pedestrian movement" on the Stade.

Cllr Mary Lawes, who represents the area on Folkestone Town Council, spoke against the ice cream van plan at the meeting and organised a petition against it.

"It was a good result for the Stade," she said following the meeting.

"Since lockdown crowds are coming to the area, which is great, but they are blocking everywhere.

"The whole Stade area including North Street, Radnor Street, Back Street and Fishmarket are being parked in and no one can get in or out."

Mr Fernando has now produced a document responding to the concerns raised at the meeting on February 21, which he hopes will address the issues raised when the application is reconsidered.

Andrew Burgess, agent on behalf of Mr Fernando, said: "The application is recommended for approval and Frankie's Ices hope that they have addressed all the comments of the councillors and local residents and that the application will be granted planning permission."

A spokesman for FHDC said: "The council is aware of this issue and will be looking into the complaint raised.

"At this stage we can confirm it is going back to committee.

"A report will be prepared for that meeting and will be published in due course."