Plans for a bright orange and green building have been sent back to the drawing board - after critics labelled the scheme "barking mad" and "garish".

The project - earmarked for a site close to Dreamland Margate in Belgrave Road - received mixed reactions as it was shown to councillors in a meeting last Wednesday.

Some praised it for being "innovative and creative" and another branded it "the ugliest building I've ever seen", as members deferred their decision on the application.

When developer Jamie Copland unveiled his vision to construct 10 flats above the current home of Dreamland Beds and Lobster Van Hire, he called the design "bold" and "unashamedly modern".

Planning documents stated: "The site is located in the heart of Margate and offers an opportunity to create a statement in the town and act as a catalyst for further regeneration of this location."

But the metal mesh-like appearance at the rear of the building - which is in a conservation area - drew criticism from Cllr Steve Albon during the vote last week.

The Labour politician said: "I think it appears to be bulky and the reason to have a conservation area is to enhance it, that’s the legislation.

"I don’t think that fits in and enhances the area at all.

"The applicant needs to rethink this."

However, he did mention that the bold colours would "certainly brighten up the area".

Cllr Rebecca Wing (Green and Independents) agreed, stating the rear of the property was "mad".

"The sign on the top [which says 'the fun starts here'], I don’t understand that either," she said.

"I think the colours don’t fit well."

Cllr Heather Keen (Lab) went as far as saying the oranges, greens and yellows chosen by Mr Copland were "gaudy" and "tacky".

Meanwhile, Independent member David Hart labelled it the "ugliest building I have ever seen".

"It's overdevelopment, and I think it’s too tall for the area. I also think it's garish," he explained.

"I don’t object to modern - but I just think it’s too tall, too overdeveloped, and should be toned down a bit."

Residents close to the site earmarked for the three-storey extension also attended the meeting to voice their opposition to the scheme.

Geraldine Scott, who lives nearby in Grosvenor Place, said: "It has the potential to become a local landmark for all the wrong reasons, an eyesore rather than an asset.

"The colours for the façade are garish. This current design is disruptive rather than sympathetic.

"The lettering ‘the fun starts here’ is not in keeping with the conservation area.

"It is completely unnecessary and dare I say tacky."

However, there were also many speaking in favour of the development.

Deputy leader of the council Reece Pugh (Con) thought it was "an incredibly inventive and creative design".

He likened it to the Turner Contemporary, as when it opened many residents objected to its modern design.

"Now it’s a natural part of Margate harbour," he added.

"It's a good use of a brownfield site and The Flamingo amusement's sign is just around the corner.

"It’s part of the attraction of Margate as a thriving seaside town. It would be absolutely mad to refuse this application."

Cllr Jill Bayford (Con) also praised the "imaginative" design.

She said: "Margate has a mix of modern, retro and traditional architectural design, and the current site is rundown and not aesthetically pleasing at all.

"I believe we should be encouraging such an exciting development and investment to the area."

Cllr Linda Wright (Con) added: "The sign at the top says it all.

"Margate used to be about fun - this will bring back the fun to Margate."

Councillors voted to defer their decision on the project. It is set to be considered by the planning committee at a later date.