The application for the Regent Cinema in Deal has been withdrawn after it received objections by Kent Highways.

The planning proposal for a cinema and cafe at the former Bingo Hall in Beach Street was submitted last year after owners James Wallace and Mark Digwood bought the premises in 2010.

The cinema has gained a lot of local support from people who would like to see the empty building in use again but last week the application was pulled.

This is due to Kent Highways objecting to the plans because it claims there wouldn’t be much room for loading and unloading deliveries.

James Wallace, owner of the building, said: “It’s a case of re-submitting it because we have to make certain adjustments.

“It’s good news that it will still be a cinema, but we’ve had to re-evaluate the scheme particularly to do with access and parking for deliveries and the requirements they have to meet.”

Mr Wallace explained that the front of the cinema and South Street will not be adequate for deliveries and so something will need to be worked out to the rear of the building.

Recently Ellis Designs, the architectural company in charge of the designs, submitted amended plans for the Regent.

Steve Ellis, who has been working on the project, said: “I was really looking forward to it and making something special for Deal. Now I’m just waiting to hear back from the client.”

There have been rumours that the Cineworld multiplex proposed in Dover could have something to do with the plans being withdrawn.

Mr Ellis said: “I don’t know if that had anything to do with it. It might have affected their business plan.”

He explained that he will be meeting with the owners in the next few weeks to discuss the next step.

He added: “The council were asking for more space around the building to make deliveries.

“We argued that when it was a bingo hall, it had a bar whereas with this it will only be a cafe. They didn’t think it would be a big deal but evidently it is.”