Plans to replace a historic seafront cinema with a new movie theatre have finally been submitted - and now include two screens rather than one.

Developers unveiled their vision for The Regent in Deal last year amid criticism from residents who said a planned 49-seat picturehouse was too small.

But official plans now lodged with Dover District Council (DDC) show an extra screen has been added to the proposal, which plans to replicate the beachfront facade of the existing building.

Applicant James Wallace is seeking permission to demolish the existing rundown building and create a main auditorium featuring 51 seats and a second "more intimate" screen with a capacity of 24.

Land to the rear of the site, as well as part of the adjoining council-owned car park in South Street, is earmarked for nine four-bedroom townhouses, each with its own private garden.

But three flats initially planned to be built above the cinema have been removed from the project, which has been drawn up by Canterbury-based Clague Architects.

The company states the scheme will secure the future of the site, which first opened as a music hall in 1928 and became a 911-seat cinema five years later.

It remained a picturehouse for 30 years before becoming a bingo hall, but closed in 2008 and has been empty ever since.

"The proposals seek to create a viable scheme that will be successful in the future," Clague Architects states.

"It is proposed to construct nine townhouses to the rear of the site, which will help fund the construction of a new cinema, including the reconstruction of the art deco facade along Beach Street but to modern standards including accessibility and thermal insulation, reducing the energy needs/running carbon footprint of the building.

“The new cinema building will also have a cafe/restaurant and multi-function space, and the synergy of these businesses will help to ensure the future of the cinema by providing different revenue streams."

Clague bosses say the developers have "taken on board" comments received at a public consultation held last year.

The scheme now includes a new public toilet as an existing block in South Street car park is set to be built on as part of the development.

"The public consultation highlighted the original proposals for only one screen would not provide suitable amenities for the film-going public in Deal," they added.

“Further, the loss of the public convenience [the toilet block] was highlighted as an issue that would negatively affect the community.

“The current proposals have addressed both these key concerns by introducing a secondary screen and by having a new public convenience.”

Also, as part of the scheme, a new cafe/restaurant will be added alongside a multi-function room.

In previous plans this space had been earmarked for retail units. These have now been removed in favour of adding a new venue for dining and space for meetings, events or community activities.

Applicant James Wallace added that he hoped the new scheme could give something back to the community of Deal.

He said: “This application reaffirms our focus on delivering a project that brings value and enjoyment to the community of Deal.

“Our goal is to create a vibrant new hub that not only meets the needs of the residents but also becomes a centrepiece for social interaction and cultural activities.

“We envision a space where people can come together to enjoy movies, dine in a welcoming atmosphere, and participate in a variety of events and functions.

“By incorporating the feedback from our consultations, we aim to ensure that the development resonates with the community’s aspirations and enhances the overall vibrancy of Deal.

“The new cinema screens will offer a diverse range of films, catering to different tastes and preferences.

“The café/restaurant will provide a new venue for dining and socialising, while the multi-use function room will be a flexible space for events, meetings, and community activities.”

In a statement, a spokesman for DDC confirmed it has now received the application.

“We would stress no decisions have been made on this matter, and this application will be treated in accordance with all standard procedures," they said.

“The public is to be consulted as part of the application process, and all comments will be considered fully.

“Although the application includes the use of an area of land owned by us in South Street car park behind The Regent, we would stress the council has not agreed to sell this land and has not made any commitments regarding any sale of this land.”