Plans to rebuild Whitstable’s Red Spider Cafe have been unanimously rejected.

Canterbury City Council's development control committee debated the application at the Guildhall on Tuesday, which had attracted opposition from around the town.

Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company owner Barrie Green hoped to resurrect the popular West Beach cafe which closed in 1989. A larger structure, in front of the sea wall, was recommended for refusal by planning officers despite previous planning permission being granted in 1990 and 2003.

Planning officers believed the proposal would result in a loss of protected existing open space on West Beach and damage the appearance of a conservation area.

Read more reaction to the decision in this week's Whitstable Gazette, out Thursday.