An appeal has been lodged after a controversial bid for a 34-flat development was snubbed for being "obtrusive" and devoid of affordable housing.

The proposed scheme in Harold Road, Cliftonville, was turned down by council planners amid a wave of opposition from angry neighbours and businesses.

Developers claimed the project, which will also include three terraced houses, would be "high quality" and "improve the residential amenity of surrounding neighbours".

The first proposal was submitted back in 2020, before being withdrawn and amended to the current plans.

In July this year, Thanet District Council refused the application, calling it an "obtrusive and incongruous form of development that fails to make a positive contribution to the street scene or the quality of the environment".

Planners also said it would "severely detract from the character and appearance of the surrounding area".

The developers, who say they hope to "cater for the housing need within the district", have now appealed against the decision to the planning inspectorate.

If the appeal is successful, car garage and dealership St George's Garage would be flattened to make way for the flat block, named Harold Court, as well as other workshop spaces on the site.

Some neighbours are fiercely opposed to the proposals, and a total of 64 objections were lodged with the council.

They include from Ethan Leach, who said: "I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that within a year of completion that car park will be 'the' place for dealer pick-ups and other less-salubrious activities.

"It's simply a dark spot, and can't possibly be accepted - it is a security hazard."

Mr Leach added: " The characteristic of the area is deprived, with temporary residents and a lack of cohesive community; this is why we need individual family homes rather than yet more flats."

Kent Police also objected to the proposals over various security concerns, such as a lack of CCTV and lighting.

One business in the area set to be demolished, Cliftonville Auto Repairs, has already moved to a new premises in Dalby Road.

Another neighbour, Evelyn Warrington, called the development "unethical".

"I am worried that there will be a strain on local facilities," she said.

"It is already difficult to get an appointment at the local doctor. This development would add further population in a very small area not catered for by local schools and doctors."

But while the firm was still in Harold Road, a representative said: "We will lose the business and that will cause great worry during these times of mass unemployment.

"My clients are loyal and local, and it will make it very difficult for them to bring their cars to be fixed if I’m pushed to the outskirts of the town, especially if they are elderly."

Another stumbling block for the development was a lack of affordable housing.

The Thanet Local Plan sets out that 30% of housing developments such as this should be allocated for affordable housing, but this has not been included in the proposals.

When rejecting the plan, the council said: "The applicant has failed to enter into a legal agreement to secure the provision of affordable housing."