A kebab shop is being forced to remove its "obviously fake" stonework following complaints from neighbours.

The owner of Aspendos is being ordered to remove the front of the shop in Hythe as it is "unsightly" and "out of keeping" with the rest of the road.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council refused the retrospective planning application for the fast-food restaurant in Prospect Road and discussed plans to issue an official enforcement notice.

Restaurant owner, Mucahit Gunes, says the decorations reflect its namesake; the ancient Greco-Roman city in Turkey.

Stuart Ingleston, who spoke on behalf of Mr Gunes at the planning meeting yesterday (October 30), said Mr Gunes was "unaware" he needed planning for the front of his shop.

Mr Ingleston said: "It was never the intention to undertake any unauthorised works.

"It is a modern, non-descript building with little architectural merit as are most of the neighbouring properties.

"I have seldom come across a planning application where I cannot find a single policy..." Cllr Russell Tillson

"It has turned a previous blank building into a vibrant and visual attraction.

"Trading conditions are hard in town centres so businesses need to consider all options to help trade in such difficult times.

"A unique theming and corporate image is essential to stay one step ahead of the competition."

Cllr Russell Tillson (Con) said: "There's no possibility, in my view, of the shop staying like that.

"I have seldom come across a planning application where I cannot find a single policy to defend it, that doesn't happen very often.

"I'm 100% behind any store that is prospering in difficult trading positions but what I find difficult is the suggestion that there is some sort of company logo type image here and the shop front design contributes to that."

He added the Aspendos by Dymchurch amusement park is very popular and has a "tasteful" facade.

Cllr Michael Lyons (Con) said he did not believe Mr Gunes did not know he needed planning permision, adding "I find that exaggerating the truth somewhat" as this has happened before.

Yet Cllr Paul Peacock (Con) came to the defence of the brickwork saying: "I actually quite like it".

He added there are more people on social media who like the building than the amount of objections.

He said: "I will give him credit even though he should have gone through planning permission; I think that's a far better frontage than what it was before".

Following the refusal of the retrospective planning application, councillors discussed a potential enforcement notice behind closed doors.