A developer hoping to build a £500,000 business park close to the centre of Ramsgate has defended the scheme in the face of angry opposition.

Stuart Mann wants to flatten workshops on the plot in Bristol Place, before replacing them with eight new units hosting artisan businesses.

The builder believes the scheme will create as many as 16 full-time jobs and that the project will rejuvenate the "run-down" T V Bond Engineering Supplies site.

Despite this, it has attracted numerous objections from concerned neighbours who are urging Thanet District Council to snub the project.

Responding to the criticism, Mr Mann told KentOnline: "We’re just replacing old with new, and I don’t understand the opposition to that.

“The current set up is simply not very nice, with dilapidated run-down buildings and a very poor site.

“We want to see something that’s sensible, brings investment into the area and all the benefits that come with that.

“The site has been unused for so many years, maybe people have become used to it."

Residents opposing the proposals fear the impact the development could have on local wildlife, as the site became the home of a family of foxes in recent years.

Others think the neighbouring roads would "not be suitable for commercial traffic, presenting a danger to pedestrians".

And local residents' association chairman Robert Milton Wallace says "an industrial operation of this size should more appropriately be located on an industrial estate designed for that purpose".

Amanda Newbery, who lives close by, argued: "This is a conservation area with many listed buildings.

"The plan for industrial units is entirely inappropriate and of great concern to the local residents.

"I hope the council will give this plan serious consideration and refuse the application."

But a number of residents have thrown their weight behind the scheme.

Among them is town councillor Pat Makinson, who says “the loud voice of the objectors smacks of nimbyism”.

"This sort of use is the very fabric of our towns and cities," she said.

"Inward investment is good for the town and will provide employment.

“Unfortunately the loud voice of the objectors smacks of nimbyism."

Mr Mann does not know which firms will move into the new units, if they are given the green light.

However, he says there has been interest in the site and that he wants artisan businesses to move in.

“I’ve been approached by a fair few people already who are looking to find storage or a workshop," he continued.

“The intention is for each unit to be affordable to encourage businesses to come.

“We’re building a biodiversity area on site with bee hotels, bird boxes on the corner of every building and planted areas for insects.

“We have addressed every concern raised by every neighbour with a relevant and sensible concern."