Businessmen in High Town have complained after a developer breached planning guidelines by knocking down the Victorian frontage of a shop and replacing it with bright red metal shutters and a large modern sign.

High Town Kebab at 43 High Town Road has had a complete facelift, and the owners have ripped out original features of the building, giving it a more contemporary look.

But the work was carried out without planning permission from the council and against Town Hall advice.

Martin Gallagher, of South East Sound and Lighting, has been in the unit across the road for nine years.

"He had the security grilles and the runners on there. All these buildings are supposed to be listed but he took away all the stained glass – and right in the middle it had a mosaic floor."

Councillor Jacqui Burnett, who covers the High Town ward, has had complaints from residents about the changes.

She said: "It had lovely Victorian frontage and I think it is disgusting that people can come in and rip things out."

Luton Borough Council said it has begun the process of issuing an enforcement notice.

A council spokesman said: "Work has been carried out on the property in question without appropriate planning permission and against the advice of council officers."

High Town Kebab was unavailable for comment.