The society set up as a watchdog of life in Farnborough has criticised plans to redevelop “the ugliest building in the town”.

The Farnborough Society, which is due to hold its inaugural public meeting next week, called for developers to replace the old Midland Bank building at the Clockhouse Roundabout with a building “of architectural quality”.

Rob Lane, leader of the society’s planning group, said: “Farnborough deserves a better building than is proposed at this gateway to the town.

“It is one of the first major buildings seen by people arriving to the area, which has been highly successful in attracting excellent architecture such as at Farnborough Airport and the new hotel, The Aviator, on the approach to the town from the south.

“I hope that the council will take on board our views and not miss a rare opportunity to use the site by developing it with a building of excellent architectural quality.”

Currently, developers have submitted a planning application to convert the 1960s office block into an “apartment hotel”.

While supporting the change of use, society members said the plans did not do enough to alter the structure of the grey concrete building and it should be replaced with something more inspiring.

Meanwhile, the society is planning its first open meeting this week, at which the plans for the future of the new group will be laid out.

At the inaugural meeting on Thursday, the society leadership is hoping to attract new members with the promise of discounted shopping at Farnborough businesses, while allowing them to have a say in shaping future policy and the direction of the town.

The public meeting, at Rushmoor Borough Council’s offices in Farnborough Road, begins at 7.30pm.