North Tyneside Council plans to build a three-storey joint service centre, housing a library, doctors' surgeries and council services, on the site of Whitley Bay Library in Park Road.

But this week councillors sitting on the planning committee rejected the plans, arguing that the design was inappropriate and the building would add to already chronic car parking problems in the area.

Coun David Ord said: "It's ugly beyond belief – it cannot be supported."

The design featured a white render finish, timber cladding and large amounts of glass, which the architects say echoes the materials used on the Spanish City and the new Playhouse.

Outline planning permission for the three-story mixed use building was granted on the site in March 2007.

But Coun Ed Hodson said the plans were "pathetic" compared to award-winning regeneration schemes in Newcastle-Gateshead.

Objecting to the plans, Coun Margaret Marshall said: "The park would be almost entirely obstructed from view and the children's play area would be in shadow.

"The residents did not ask for this building and do not want it."

Councillors on the committee were also concerned about the number of car parking spaces being provided.

In total, 36 spaces were planned for the building's 85 staff and users.

Despite a travel plan being produced by planners, councillors were unconvinced that nearby public transport and other car parks would alleviate future parking problems.

Eamonn Donnelly from Lift Co, the public-private partnership behind the project, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for people to access health and social services."

Also supporting the application, Coun Muriel Green said: "I like the design – I think it's refreshing.

"I think it will breathe a little bit of life into that particular area and I can't see any planning reasons why this should be rejected.

"We can go on and on about parking but there are good buses in that particular area, and it's only 200 yards from the shops."

But councillors voted 14 to five to reject the plans.