A seafront office which has been described as an eyesore has to be removed, Swale council’s planning committee has ruled.

Queenborough Harbour Trust (QHT) had applied for retrospective permission for the structure after it was put up on Crundells Wharf last December.

The temporary building, off North Road, provides a look-out to the moorings and consists of a grey portable cabin atop a shipping container used to store tackle.

Opinion was split – with many people condemning it as ugly and saying it was not in-keeping with the town’s character, but others understood the trust needs to have a base and felt it important to help the harbour flourish.

QHT had hoped to keep it for three years while it sought funding for a permanent office but, after a heated site visit last month, councillors made the final decision to get rid of it on Thursday. The trust has 12 months to remove it.

At the planning meeting, officers said another four letters of representation had been received, one which suggested painting the structure similar colours to the Morrisons’ depot in Kemsley to help it blend in and another saying they felt it a shame the issue was causing such animosity.

Cllr Mick Constable said: “As a resident of Queenborough I want the harbour trust to succeed, but not to the detriment of residents and visitors.

“It’s an eyesore and a blot on the landscape and needs to be removed immediately.”

He also said the location of it meant they would be unable to light the beacon to celebrate the royal birth as it would be unsafe and that it would also affect the annual Blessing of the Waters service.

The fact it is taking up about six parking spaces is also of concern, he said, and parking spaces are very valuable, especially for disabled residents and visitors.

Cllr Andy Booth described the building as ‘an exceptional balancing act’ and said it looks horrendous and is completely out of character.

One of the trust’s directors, Marco Devereux, said: “We will comply to the council’s wishes and work with the community to find a suitable solution.”

QHT was due to further discuss its future at a meeting on Tuesday.