Proposals to refurbish the roof of a derelict building in Sandwich has been refused by the district planning committee.

Listed building Newgate House at 57 New Street, has been causing controversy in the town for years with its state of disrepair.

At the end of last year, an application was submitted for the renovation of the roof and three dormer windows to be fitted to the front roof slope.

This has now been refused as the committee claims the size, proportion and location of the dormer windows would not be sympathetic to the design of the listed building. It also claims it would have a detrimental impact on its character and appearance.

The house is in the conservation area of Sandwich and is a Grade II listed building. It has boarded up windows, damp walls and rubbish on the grounds.

Former Sandwich councillor Simon Leith supported the application.

He said: “This building appears to have been substantially changed in it’s history, I believe the addition of the roof windows will not be detrimental to the street scene or to the historical look of the property.

“I support this application and hope that this will be the first step in rescuing this at risk building and in its present condition it is no more than a blot on my landscape.”

Concerns were raised by other residents that the application was a stalling tactic after pressure from the council to make sure the property remains weather-tight, structurally sound and secure.

Resident David Barton said: “If this is a genuine application for restoration to this entire derelict property then I consider the council should approve it.

“But as I strongly suspect it to be just another delaying ploy for no constructive plans for the enhancement to this property, then I suggest that the council reject the application and then enforce the legal powers available to them, and have this blight on the visual aspect of Sandwich resolved.”