Longer delays are expected in the project to turn Deal’s Regent building into a three-screen cinema.

Developers James Wallace and Mark Digweed have been served another hurdle after Dover District Council finally responded to the pre-planning documents they submitted in January.

Mr Wallace said: “I was not made aware Historic England will need to be consulted at pre-planning stage which by the looks of things will cause even further delay, pending their response.”

He has made strenuous efforts to be transparent, and has contacted The Mercury each week with an update for readers.

It follows concerns raised by residents about the lack of progress in submitting a planning application.

In January the business partners submitted documents to the pre-planning committee.

“We are trying our utmost to deliver a project with ongoing pressure from local groups who actually haven't got a clue what it takes behind the scenes to deliver such a scheme" - James Wallace, Regent developer

A response was delayed until Friday, March 4 and now they will need to liaise with Historic England before they can proceed with the next stage: a soft consultation with members of the public.

The public’s views, for or against the scheme, will be recorded and enable the pair to make necessary changes to the plans before an official application can be submitted to DDC.

Mr Wallace added: “We still await a response from Historic England through DDC in order to complete a consolidated review to our proposals

“Once received it will take us approximately 8-12 weeks to process comments and generate a formal planning application pending any special requirements/recommended changes we may need to take into consideration.”

The duo hope to transform the former wartime picture house and bingo hall into a three-screen cinema, cafe bar, 80-seater restaurant and apartments.

They have been researching the project since 2010, and the delay in action has prompted concerns from residents, including Cllr Pam Hawkins.

Mr Wallace said: “We are trying our utmost to deliver a project with ongoing pressure from local groups who actually have not got a clue what it takes behind the scenes to deliver such a scheme, including our local councillor Pam Hawkins who has been dismissive and sceptical throughout the whole process.

“It’s actually councillors like Bob Frost who made the effort to approach us in person and has done in recent months on a regular basis asking the reasons for delay and if he can help in anyway in a proactive manner, once fully briefed/updated in the initial stages.”

He criticised the process developers are faced with when trying to implement schemes to rejuvenate buildings.

“Such groups should ask the question why do you not get companies such as VUE and Cineworld or larger independent exhibitors making such investments in small seaside towns.

“The answer is without a vested interest from local members of the community who want to see Deal thrive as a seaside town, there would be no reason for us to continue with such a development due to the many hurdles we have faced and continue to face.

“We currently await a response from DDC planning and Historic England in order to progress our full planning application.”

A renewed promise to spruce up the outside of the Regent has been made. Mr Wallace said plans are being made now spring is on its way and there are more daylight hours.