Plans to install a car wash in the car park of an Indian restaurant have not curried favour with people living nearby.

More than 20 Ditton residents attended a parish council meeting earlier this month to voice concerns about a suggestion car cleaning could take place in the car park of the curry house, formerly The Walnut Tree pub.

Bedri Dedushi, the applicant who hopes the car wash will be located behind the Tandoori Palace, in Bradbourne Lane, is waiting to find out if planning permission will be granted - this meeting will take place next month.

The request states the new business would operate for five years.

Initial work to get the site ready had begun – which had angered residents.

But an investigation by Tonbridge and Malling council found the works already completed did not require any planning permission. They have since stopped.

Tony Mulcuck, parish councillor and Bradbourne Lane resident, said: “We opposed mainly because it’s a residential area, it’s a very dangerous corner and there’s no footpath.

“Not to mention noise, pollution and the more traffic problems on the road.

“We’ve had a lot of support all over the parish council, and want to have a say before it goes before the committee in October.”

The council also points out there are already 12 car wash firms nearby.

Ditton parish council backed the decision to dispute the plans and recommended outright refusal, also suggesting the application go before the Borough Council’s Area 3 committee, which covers Ditton.

The council now has three area committees after it split its planning department.

Cllr Anne Throssell, vice chairman for Ditton’s planning, highways and transportation committee added: “The parish council will be fully supporting the residents.”

Louise Reid, head of planning for Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, said: “The council received a number of complaints regarding works beginning prior to planning permission on the site behind the Tandoori in Bradbourne Lane, Ditton.

“Our enforcement officers have investigated these complaints but the works undertaken so far do not require planning permission.”

Ditton parish council chairman, Cllr Mike Porter, said: “After taking all the comments raised by residents on board and after a full discussion, Members of the Council resolved to object to this application.

“The main points for objection are that there are already 12 car washes nearby, and access and safety issues.”

The plans will be discussed on Thursday, October 8.