Flat owners - including artist Tracey Emin - are rejoicing after a controversial plan to replace the windows of an “iconic” tower block was quashed.

The scheme for Margate’s “world-famous” Arlington House was first submitted in March 2023 sparking huge backlash from residents and the wider community.

Since then, the planning bid has gone through various changes, alterations and consultations.

Leaseholder Freshwater wants to swap the sliding design of the current windows - which some residents say are draughty - to a ‘tilt-and-turn’ style, which will result in “slightly thicker” frames.

But residents and flat owners - including Dame Tracey Emin, who has even submitted a counter proposal - say Freshwater’s bid would result in a mismatched facade and damage the building’s appearance.

At a Thanet District Council (TDC) planning meeting last night, councillors voted unanimously against the officer’s recommendation to approve based on their assessment it would improve the energy and thermal efficiency of the building and provide better fire safety.

This was met with cheers, applause and cries of “thank you” from a packed public gallery.

It followed a lengthy debate on the application with many committee members saying they had to support the wishes of residents who had come out against the proposals.

Cllr Kristian Bright (Lab, Viking) said: “Some buildings can't be energy efficient. I think this building is iconic and I think the matter we're discussing is an aesthetic one

“I think regardless if there's another application, it's costly, it’s unpopular and it seems to be being imposed on residents. I think we have to listen to residents and I can't support this.”

Tony Fisher, chairman of the Arlington House resident’s association, spoke on behalf of the group.

He said: “Everyone knows Arlington House dominates the landscape and has a significant role on the world stage.

“It’s essential the quality and design of any new windows is high.”

Mr Fisher went on to hold up two slabs of polystyrene, showing the difference in thickness between the current windows and Freshwater’s design.

“You can decide for yourself if that’s slight or minimal,” he told councillors.

“A large number of leaseholders own specific rights to windows and can refuse to have them altered. We feel this is downplayed in the plans, as many of them will.

“Frankly who in their right mind would fork out £35,000 to £40,000 for double-glazed windows?”

People in the public gallery responded to Mr Fisher’s statement by calling it “outrageous”.

Cllr Becky Wing (Green, Central Harbour) said: “Margate would not look like Margate without this building.

“It would absolutely blight the building and I don't know why the leaseholder would want to do that. It’s just bonkers.”

Cllr Rob Yates (Lab, Margate Central), a former resident in the building, added: “This matter is unique as they have been put in against the wishes of the homeowners.

“Insult has been added to injury as they're expected to pay for windows they do not want.

“There are 106 privately-owned flats and if this is passed and the mismatched windows start to appear it would be a blight on the area.”

He called for a deferral on the decision until Dame Tracey’s counter application is considered.

Speaking after the decision, the artist told KentOnline: “I put double glazing in the flats that I own, and it looks really good - there's no wind, no draughts. It wasn't that expensive.

“I grew up with Arlington House, and it's part of my skyline, in my psyche.

“It means something to me, and the way the windows are in a wave is so important. What would be great is if it was listed, and then looked after properly - that would be amazing.”

The world-renowned artist submitted her own counter-planning application on September 27, suggesting a different style of windows, which she confirmed would continue in the wake of the decision to refuse Freshwater’s application.

She wants to see the original sliding style kept, with narrower frames than Freshwater’s proposal.

The leaseholder says in documents a sliding design is not possible due to modern building regulations.

Dame Tracey disputes this, despite recognising “sliding windows will never have the same water tightness”.

In her application she presents two types of frames, saying: “The two options presented show excellent water tightness.

“It should also be noted using sliding windows will allow the retention of secondary glazing installed in many of the flats, dramatically improving thermal performance even further.”

She told KentOnline she is confident she will get approval for her bid, saying: “The point of the application is to show that there is a better, cheaper way of doing it.

“There's a reason why those windows are designed that way and they should stay that way. So, I'm thrilled actually.”

Dame Tracey was not the only flat owner celebrating the refusal.

Simon Pengelly, 76, previously said he would fix the mains electric to his windows if anyone tried to change them in his flat.

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Speaking after the meeting, the resident of 14 years told KentOnline he was “surprised but ecstatic” at the decision, adding: “My main concern was the £40,000 to £50,000 bill.

“Secondly, the appearance of the building, both in terms of tilt and turn, giving reflections all over the place, and the thicker frames.

“And thirdly, there's no need for it. The windows do not have any corrosion at all.

“Any problems can be solved by putting filling down between them and by double glazing.”

Arlington House is located on land owned by TDC but the building is owned by a private company called Metropolitan Property Realizations Limited and managed by Freshwater which owns some of the flats. Some residents are leaseholders of their privately owned flats.