A controversial visitor centre which has been labelled a “monstrosity” by a councillor has been given temporary planning permission.

The centre - which is set to attract people to Folkestone as part of this year’s Triennial - will be built on land next to the Brewery Tap in Tontine Street.

Eight councillors voted in favour for it at a planning meeting on Tuesday, May 31, when the Creative Foundation were given the go-ahead to make a start, as long as it is removed by February 2018.

The Triennial sees various artists decorate the town with their work and takes place between Saturday, September 2, and Sunday, November 5.

The council received 12 letters of objection, with some people branding the centre plans as “insensitive”, the planning document said, in light of the centenary of the Tontine Street bombing in the First World War, which took place last Thursday, May 25.

A German bomb killed 61 people.

It will have external and internal seating, a welcome area, a place for people to watch short films, a display area for merchandise and office spaces.

Cllr Susie Govett (Ukip) said: “I am blown away by this monstrosity.

"I’m clearly not getting it and I am quite an arty person.

"Thankfully it's temporary and I can't wait for it to come down when it goes up."

“It is not nice and I think we could do better.”

Cllr Jenny Hollingsbee (Con) added: “This is temporary and for the Triennial which is very important to Folkestone.”

Two councillors voted against it.