This once-splendid building on Fort Hill, Margate, looks a sight for sore eyes, a year after its owners were told to bring it back to its former glory.

The Arcadian has fallen into a state of disrepair with its windows smashed and boarded up, while work on the town’s multi-million pound Turner Contemporary continues apace just a few hundred metres away.

The owners of the Arcardian were handed a section 215 notice last March, telling them to reinstate the first floor canopies, replace all external woodwork and wash down the windows.

Twelves months on, the building remains a blot on the landscape while its owner appeals the restoration notice. Solicitors are now trying to change some of the requirements.

A spokesman for the council said: “If agreement can be reached, then the owners of the Arcadian would withdraw their appeal against the notice.

“If no agreement can be reached, a court case will go ahead and this is expected to take place in mid May.”