Bold plans to open a rooftop restaurant on top of one of Canterbury’s ugliest buildings have been branded “inappropriate” by opponents wanting the proposals to be scrapped.

KentOnline revealed last month how the Girne American University has submitted a bid to transform run-down office block Newingate House into an attraction complete with an entertainment venue.

A restaurant housed in a “lightweight glass box” - based on the cafe design at the Tate Modern - would sit atop the 1960s block in Lower Bridge Street, with 10 two-bed apartments also being constructed in an adjoining building.

Multi-coloured panels inspired by the Park Hill development in Sheffield would be placed on the outside of the building.

Developers say the striking renovation of the block, which has stood mostly under-used for about a decade, will offer a “unique experience for locals and tourists alike”.

But critics and heritage watchdog groups fear the changes will spark “huge disruption and noise” for nearby residents, as well as tarnish views of the city.

In submitting an objection on the council’s planning portal, Jan Pahl, from the Canterbury Society, is calling for a revised design in-keeping with the existing 1960s style.

“Over the years the aim of the planners responsible for Canterbury has been to retain the historic pattern of the city, with the Cathedral rising magnificently from the much lower buildings which surround it,” she said.

“It would be a shame if ours were the generation which ruined these views.

“The multi-coloured panels will be highly intrusive in the street scene and will impact on the views along the city wall and over it to the Cathedral.”

As part of the facelift, the office space in the building will be refurbished, and, if approved, the entertainment space will be subject to a one-year renewable licence before it is then transformed into further offices.

Activities on offer could potentially include indoor mini golf, table tennis and darts.

The Canterbury Heritage Design Forum, however, is not pleased with the vision for fun and games.

“We are extremely concerned about the anomalous social entertainment element,” said Tim Carlyle, on behalf of the group.

“This should either be removed from the application, or detailed in a full management, access and impact plan.”

In contrast, planners say the proposals are sympathetic to the area and the social club will be beneficial to the city.

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