An “eyesore” building will not be left to rot, according to city planners.

The most recent controversial design for Medina House for nine residential apartments and two restaurants was rejected by a Brighton and Hove City Council planning committee.

The decision, after nine months of consultation between council planners and architects from Camillin Denny, means the former public baths in King’s Esplanade, Hove will continue to stand unused.

The council have now been urged to clean up the site amid fears that the historic building, which has been empty for 15 years, is “undevelopable”.

A Brighton and Hove spokeswoman said: “Despite the site being a challenge architecturally, we remain confident that by continuing to work together we will see a viable scheme come forward that will be of benefit both to the developer, neighbours and enhance Hove seafront area.”