Fury is mounting as Thanet council prepares to put a seafront theatre on the open market after a community bid to take it on was turned down.

Not-for-profit group Kent Film Foundation had wanted to transform the Granville Theatre in Ramsgate into an arts centre boasting a new theatre space, two cinema screens and an organic restaurant.

The venture would have included workshop space for youth film clubs in addition to a youth theatre and orchestra in partnership with Pie Factory music.

The 'green-build' scheme, which would have been called The Sandcastle, and had a bee-friendly roof terrace, won huge support from the community, including actress Brenda Blethyn and a host of residents and creatives.

But this week, Thanet District Council turned down the film foundation's bid to take over the freehold of the theatre, putting paid to its plans - a decision described as "inexplicable".

The authority had launched a Community Right to Bid back in October, meaning groups could express an interest in bidding for the freehold of the theatre, which is listed as an Asset of Community Value.

Jan Dunn, filmmaker and founder of Kent Film Foundation, admits she finds the outcome confusing.

"We, along with a representative from the Ramsgate Festival of Sound, were the only attendees at a public online awareness event outlining what the council were looking for in the new custodians of the building, where our many questions were answered for clarity prior to submitting our proposal," she said.

"We understand that at the first deadline at least, we were the only applicants.

"The result is very confusing considering we catered to the expectations of what was expressed to us by the Estate’s department - and more - at that meeting."

Others have also expressed their disappointment at the council's decision.

Andre Dack, from Ramsgate Music Hall, said "The council continues to show a complete lack of regard and respect towards the arts, and the multiple communities within the sector.

"This building has enormous value, and Kent Film Foundation have put together plans that involve the enormous amount of talent in Ramsgate.

"For a number of years, we at RMH have been on the lookout for an appropriate space to put on bigger capacity shows in our beloved town.

"The short-sightedness shown by TDC once again prolongs our search."

Gemma Dempsey, producer of The Festival of Sound and co-founder of Ramsgate Through the Senses, added: "We are constantly searching for venues for our performers and practitioners.

"As our festival has grown so have our needs, and The Sandcastle would have allowed us to plan ahead for bigger shows with full facilities, bringing more local spend into the area and providing employment and commissions for locals and artists alike.

"This inexplicable rejection by TDC means that the people of Ramsgate are being deprived of a place for all age groups to be entertained, as well as a place of education and inspiration.

"As one of the two people on the call with TDC months back, and there to support the Sandcastle proposal, I'm convinced that there have been little or no other bids for this property.

"How will Ramsgate ever prosper when opportunities that serve the community in so many positive ways are quashed without valid reason?"

Mayor of Ramsgate Cllr Raushan Ara warned of what the open market could mean for the theatre.

"By putting it on the open market, outside investors may come and buy the property, and then either landbank it, or turn it into something that will be of no use to the community," she said.

"I strongly urge TDC to look at the proposals again, and reconsider their application."

Cllr Karen Constantine has accused Thanet council of being shortsighted.

"I am both saddened and surprised that this application has been rejected by TDC as I think it represents a wonderful and timely idea, backed by a sound business plan with a highly motivated and competent team already in place to take the concept to reality," she said.

"It is a slap in the teeth for this inspirational and dedicated team who have, over several years, put so much effort into the project, bringing many years of expertise and experience to bear, for the benefit of the community.

"Ramsgate desperately needs facilities like this; we all miss our local cinema. Now it would seem we have no chance of having one.

"Thanet District Council has also missed a trick with regard to the creation of a locally owned business that would have done much to boost our local economy, by keeping important community assets owned by Ramsgate residents, creating jobs and improving our tourism offer."

A petition has since been launched urging the council to rethink its decision.

A spokesman for the authority confirmed the film foundation's plan has been rejected.

"We issued a Notice of Intention to Dispose of an Asset of Community Value for the Granville Theatre on October 20 as well as an invitation to submit a request for a Community Asset Transfer (CAT)," she said.

"We have now completed the Community Asset Transfer evaluation process of the business plan proposal and evidence submitted by the Kent Film Foundation and have confirmed that their current offer was not successful.

"Further offers can be made under the Community Right to Bid until the expiration of the full moratorium period on Wednesday, April 20.

"We will now commence marketing the premises on the open market and any offers received will be assessed at the end of the moratorium period."

The Granville Theatre was built by the council in 1947. It closed in March 2020 when lockdown hit.