A vegan has sparked a fierce backlash on social media after saying a new harbour development will be "ruined by the stench and sight" of meat.

Sushi, burgers, gin and 'dunkable' cookies will be up for grabs at the South Quay Shed in Whitstable harbour - which is set to launch in the next few weeks.

The traders moving into the previously run-down shed - which has been converted by Canterbury City Council - were revealed exclusively by KentOnline last week.

But one man is less than impressed, taking to Facebook to express his dismay at the news two of the 15 new units will be taken on by Pork and Co and Rad Burger.

Commenting on Canterbury Residents Group, Colby Grant wrote: "Absolutely disgusted that the new Whitstable harbour development will be completely ruined by the stench and sight of poor dead pigs and revolting burgers which will permeate the whole area.

"What happened to the council's alleged aims of promoting modern values of good health, compassion and a better world where animals and the planet are cared for and respected?

"This is a backward step for Whitstable and will just create a filthy atmosphere, stench and mess that will spoil all the other businesses and put people off using them, and it glorifies animal cruelty and exploitation.

"What a backward step for Whitstable."

But many did not agree with the post, which has attracted hundreds of comments.

Neil Burton criticised the comments directed at the council.

"I believe that environmental health will ensure that the development does not contribute to a filthy atmosphere, stench or mess that will spoil all the other businesses and put people off using them," they wrote.

"I also think it is unlikely that the presence of [Pork & Co and Rad Burgers] will glorify animal cruelty and exploitation any more than the rest of the food and beverage outlets in Whitstable catering to an omnivorian diet.

"All in all, your post seems to be focused on two outlets in defiance of a more logical approach calling out all instances of restaurants and takeaways serving meat or seafood.

"Why no offence at the fish and chip shops or kebab outlets?"

Mr Grant responded by saying Mr Burton had made "good points" and that, as a vegan, he does not like "any restaurant where animal bodies are served".

"In the specific case of the harbour development, because it’s new and because we all now know about animal cruelty on farms, the harms meat does to human health, the environment etc, these are much trodden paths now," he wrote.

"Because the council has policies on health, sustainability etc then it represents a wonderful opportunity to do practical things to make better choices.

"They could have set up a well-being hub with plant-based cookery courses, nutrition experts, a yoga studio, gardening shops.

"What about giving units to places like stream walk garden to teach people how to grow their own? A school visit unit to teach eco lessons to youngsters.

"Projects in line with their own policies and ones that would foster real positive change.

"Instead they rent units to men selling dead animal body parts. That’s why I’m so depressed about the whole thing."

Others similarly disagreed with the points made by Mr Grant.

Alex Wilson wrote: "I personally can’t wait - especially if the meat is locally sourced and fresh - bring on summer bring on the burgers!"

Michael Fry added: "It's a harbour, centred around the fishing and shellfish industry - now full of food outlets that cater for a lot of preferences.

"Why do you prefer to restrict one person's food preferences in favour of your own? Live and let live.

"I don't try to control the food available to you, pay me the same respect please."

But while a large number of the comments criticised Mr Grant's stance, many said he was entitled to air his views.

Adam Barbossa wrote: "I think the question which we should be looking at more is; why do people get so upset when vegans raise their voices? We live in a democracy and they're entitled to share their views as are you. I eat meat, an animal is raised and then killed so I can consume its flesh and I am comfortable with that, so I don't feel the need to defend myself whenever we get a vegan post in the group."

Kirsty Ainsley Grace added: "Colby is clearly passionate about animals. There’s nothing wrong with that. I’m with you Colby!"

Among the other food businesses moving into the South Quay are Dunk Cookies and Sooshi Sushi, with a bar being run directly by the city council.

Competition for the site has been fierce, with more than 100 companies expressing an interest, and more than 40 putting in firm offers to snap up one of the units.

The proposed opening hours are from 9am to 8pm between March 2 and October 30, and from 9am to 5pm between October 31 and March 1.

More than £700,000 was spent on the project, funded from the Whitstable Harbour account. It will provide an annual rental yield of 20%, meaning the project will be paid for in five years.

The internal large courtyard with a mezzanine deck is themed on maritime operations and the food and retail outlets are situated on both the ground and first floors.

In selecting the new tenants, the council required bidders to be local businesses or sole traders, to offer local employment proposals, to have no single-use plastics and to demonstrate sustainable business practices.

There will also be toilet facilities offering three women’s and three men’s stalls, and an accessible toilet.

Work on the redevelopment was delayed due to the pandemic, but the project continued despite fears major schemes planned for Whitstable could be put on hold.