A former Marlborough hotel that was set to become flats has been called an 'eyesore' in the town after scaffolding has been left on the front of the building for two years.

Ailesbury Court, located on 6 High Street in Marlborough, was once a historic and grand building dating back to 1843, and home to the popular Ailesbury Arms Hotel.

The property has been hidden by scaffolding and sheeting for so long residents are calling for action to be taken, questioning why the works are taking so long.

The first plans for the property included converting it into residential flats but it is now hoped it will be used for commercial use.

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The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Ailesbury Court was formerly a grand historic hotel that stood proud on the High Street.Ailesbury Court was formerly a grand historic hotel that stood proud on the High Street. (Image: Newsquest)

"The scaffolding is certainly an eyesore," said Cllr Nicholas Fogg, the former Mayor of Marlborough.

"I think we should be told why it's still there after two years."

A resident, who did not wish to be named, told the Gazette and Herald: "It's been up there for ages now and work stopped for a while, so I'm not really sure what's going on.

"It's such a beautiful old building and I'm not against work being done to it, but I do wish they'd hurry up because the scaffolding does look ugly doesn't it."

A spokesperson for developer Hadleigh Real Property (Bravo) Limited, admitted that the site has become an 'eyesore'.

"Although we have got planning for this building, we are now just going to refurbish it for commercial use and operate it as offices," confirmed a spokesperson.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Ailesbury Court will no longer be converted into flats.Ailesbury Court will no longer be converted into flats. (Image: Newsquest)

"We live just outside of Marlborough and so we know that it's an eyesore and we'd like work to be finished as soon as possible too."

The developer has since revealed the reason why the scaffolding has been up for so long is because of "ongoing negotiations for an overhanging sign".

The developer say that they have faced disagreements with the landlord of Seasalt which is located next door to Ailesbury Court, due to a sign affecting both properties.

"We have had to go back and forth with the surveyor many times and without repairing it we can't complete the refurbishment," said the spokesman.

"That's why we have cracked on with the inside in the meantime."

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A spokesperson for Seasalt added: "‘The scaffolding on Ailesbury Court is part of an ongoing conversation between a neighbouring landlord and our landlord. 

"Seasalt are not party to this discussion or in a position to influence the outcome, advise or comment."

The scaffolding company, Woodhams Group did not wish to comment.

An exact date of when the scaffolding is expected to come down has not been given.