Divisive plans to open a new Subway sandwich shop have been ditched after residents vented their fury over wanting a pub instead.

The national chain submitted plans to open in the ground floor of Charles Court - a new development of flats in Northdown Road, Cliftonville.

A micropub was originally intended to open on the site of the fire-hit Holly Tree pub after planning permission was secured alongside 35 apartments and three houses.

A brochure advertising the new homes at the time said the venue would add a “different dimension” to the development, describing it as a “handy place for a cheeky drink and a bite to eat”.

But the unit remained empty and an application was instead submitted earlier this year by Subway to open at the site.

More than 30 residents objected to the planning application, with concerns over the smell, parking and it not being the proposed micropub.

However, Subway has since withdrawn its plans before they could be considered by Thanet District Council.

Zachary Keenan said: “I strongly object to this application as when we bought our property in Charles Court, we were promised a micropub.

“The erection of the Subway devalues our building.

“It is a fire risk, will encourage littering and encourages anti-social behaviour.”

Mr Keenan also says there is already a smell from a nearby fish and chip shop, and the sandwich chain would create more odours at all times of the day.

“As you are probably well aware, Subway creates a certain odour which will be unpleasant for the residents in the building,” he added.

Adam Burston echoed concerns about the smell.

“The residents and owners purchased the properties with the understanding the commercial space would be used as a micropub, not a restaurant or sandwich shop,” he said.

“Having a sandwich shop in this location would not be suitable, and will cause unwanted smells to linger, add to the increasing rubbish and waste problems in the local area and is not in-keeping with the locality by having a fast food chain under a residential block.”

Sarah Austin said: “Since Charles Court flats were erected, the traffic volume has increased and parking is now terrible for residents.

“A Subway would increase the volume of traffic and dangerous parking.”

And Emma Theunissen commented: “We do not need another fast food chain with our independent little shops in this area.

“There already is a family-run sandwich shop next to where the Subway would be going. This would be damaging to their business.”

Drawings show the restaurant would have had seating as well as a counter and a green wall embellished with the Subway logo.

The site was sold for £300,000 along with planning consent for a micropub, but estate agents said at the time permission could be sought to change its use to "Class E", which includes restaurant use.

Housebuilders Future Homes said in a brochure advertising the new flats: "Following the tradition of the site, where originally Ye Olde Charles public house made way for the Holly Tree, at ground floor level there is also to be a micropub.

"It will add a totally new and different dimension to the development - a handy place for a cheeky drink and a bite to eat after a day on the beach - or in the office.

"A local operator is sought for this."

Kent already has more than 25 outlets of the sandwich shop, one being in Margate High Street.

A spokesperson for the sandwich giant said: “Subway can confirm that plans to develop a restaurant in the Cliftonville area have been withdrawn.

“Guests can still enjoy their favourite subs, salads and wraps at their nearest Subway store.”