Plans to install a car wash at an Indian restaurant were rejected last week.

The proposed development at the Ditton site on Bradbourne Lane didn't go down well with residents, as more than 20 Ditton residents attended a parish council meeting last month to voice concerns.

Ditton Tandoori was previously used as a pub, The Walnut Tree, and is located just off the A20 London Road.

Between 60 and 70 local people were reported to have attended an area three planning committee at Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council offices on Thursday evening, where the plans were refused.

Tony Mulcuck, a Bradbourne Lane resident and parish councillor, said: "We're all very pleased with the outcome, it went really well.

"All members of the borough council agreed with the fact it could be noisy, there will be a lot of pollution and more traffic.

"Obviously it could be appealed, so we will have to keep an eye on the site."

The application by business owner Bedri Dedushi was to turn a section of the car park into the car wash with a five year lease.

There are 12 similar car washes within a three mile radius, two of which - one on Station Road, Aylesford, and another on London Road, Maidstone - are owned by the applicant.

Residents raised a number of points to object to the proposal, all of the objections relate to the unsuitability of the location.

The planning officer, Holly Pitcher, emphasised that in her report to the planning committee, saying: “I am therefore not satisfied that this is an acceptable site for this proposed use.”

The plans were recommended for refusal in accordance with a number of issues raised by the residents.

Councillor Ben Walker (Con) said: "It's a very good result, and the residents are delighted.

"This is one of the reasons I got into politics, to stand up for what local people and what they believe in.

"It's also a very good example of why we should keep planning committees, as they are very important to local matters."

The applicant can appeal the refusal.