A bid for a seafront hotel as part of a £50 million theme park redevelopment has failed to win the backing of council planners.

The proposals for a 124-bed hotel and rooftop bar next to Dreamland in Margate were submitted by the attraction's parent company.

But planning officers at Thanet District Council say the size of the building appears to be "unduly prominent and obtrusive".

A report published today recommended the ambitious plans should be rejected when councillors meet to discuss the application next week.

The bid, which was revealed in September, forms part of a major regeneration scheme for the town by Dreamland's owners, Margate Estates.

The plans for Sea View Hotel include a six-story hotel boasting a rooftop bar, restaurants, gym, meeting rooms and shops.

The applicants have also applied to knock down two buildings on Marine Terrace to make way for the hotel development.

But planners say the proposal's "height, scale, depth and roof design" would harm the conservation area the development falls within.

The report highlights concerns with competing and disrupting views of the listed Dreamland Cinema building.

Planners also raise concerns about demolishing numbers 48 and 49 Marine Terrace, which are described as being of "historic significance".

The report says knocking them down would also be "severely detrimental and harmful to the character and appearance of the conservation area".

It notes the plans would provide "highly needed good quality accommodation" to support tourism in Margate.

But adde: "Unfortunately, whilst a number of economic, social and environmental benefits are offered by the scheme, the proposal, by virtue of its scale, height, depth and roof design, will block significant multiple long distance views of the landmark Grade II-Listed Dreamland building.

"[It is] a development that appears obtrusive and unrelated to the height and scale of development within the historic seafront terrace.

"It is therefore recommended that members refuse the application on the grounds that the proposed development will result in severe harm to the significance of the historic environment, and the lack of a legal agreement securing the necessary mitigation to the Special Protection Area."

Under the plans, the ground floor would house a gym, meeting spaces, a restaurant, and space for a shop or another restaurant.

There would also be a new rooftop bar, capable of holding 250 people and offering views over Margate and Dreamland from two outdoor terraces.

Applicants say the project would create 50 new jobs.