A graffiti-hit beachfront arcade is set to be transformed into a large restaurant - competing directly with a JD Wetherspoon pub.

The disused Down the Coast Amusements in Margate has been left to languish for about three years.

But now the former slot machine site, complete with its divisive signage, is expected to be transformed into a restaurant with 360 sq m of space.

Thanet District Council planning chiefs this week ratified developer James Godden’s proposals - but strict conditions must be followed.

It is unclear who will move into the empty space situated next to the popular Mechanical Elephant pub in Marine Terrace.

But the space – spanning across two shops – will soon be renovated into a “restaurant [which] will benefit the area by providing a more open, visually connected, attractive facade,” official documents say.

Once up and running, the spot will make “a positive contribution to the street scene”, architects Turner Jackson and Day explain in planning papers.

They add that the impact on the conservation area, in which the arcade resides, will be nothing but positive.

“The amusement arcade has not opened over the last few years due to competition from adjacent, similar businesses,” the architect says.

Down the Coast has remained closed for several years, with council documents saying it nosedived in an over-saturated amusement arcades market.

The building spans over five floors, including a basement, with the top three being homes.

More detailed plans showing what the new restaurant could look like - and the food it will serve - should soon be launched, the developer said.

“This proposal will not have a detrimental impact on the nearby listed buildings or their setting and will only have a positive impact on the Conservation Area.” the design and access statement added.

The plans were unveiled following a well documented uptick in the town’s popularity.

Next month, it will see the grand opening of No.42 Margate - a luxury hotel equipped with a rooftop bar and two restaurants.