The decision to transform a historic but derelict town centre cinema could be taken away from a council, much to the frustration of campaigners.

Plans were submitted in 2024 to demolish The Regent in Deal, which has become increasingly rundown over the last decade, and create a new two-screen cinema in its place.

As part of the development, nine town houses would also be built nearby.

However, the application, submitted to Dover District Council (DDC), for the scheme is nearing its deadline date and if it passes, the decision could be turned over to the Planning Inspectorate.

DDD says it is waiting on new information from the developer before it can make a decision, and is hoping for an extension for the application.

As the deadline is now less than a week away, campaigners are worried the decision on the proposal could be removed from local powers.

Members of campaign group Reopen the Regent, launched 10 years ago, say the lack of action is “unacceptable”.

Chairman Fay Franklin said: “We understand the current application, which has been languishing on the DDC portal, is about to expire quietly on February 28, without ever coming to a public planning meeting for discussion and, we believe, inevitable rejection.

“It has been recommended for rejection by both Deal and Walmer Town Council, formally opposed by many Deal citizens and several official bodies concerned with civic, cultural and architectural heritage.

“This is a wholly unacceptable state of affairs. The current plans and their unsuitability for The Regent cinema should receive an open airing at a planning meeting, before a formal decision is made.

“Anything less is simply turning a blind eye to the travesty taking place on our seafront, yet again.”

Chair of Deal Town Council planning committee Cllr Mike Eddy (Green) added: “This has been going on for far too long and it really needs to be sorted out now.

“The last thing we want is to lose this landmark from our seafront or the car parking and public toilet facilities behind it.

“A decision needs to be made to protect this unique building and to keep the facilities available to the people of Deal.”

The plan for the cinema includes building a new venue with two screens, one with 51 seats and a second with 24. A cafe or restaurant, multi-use function room and a new public toilet are also planned.

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

The art-deco style design of the facade of the original building is expected to be replicated on the new venue.

Originally, DDC granted an extension to the application in December as it was felt more details were needed to assess the application.

This included a sequential test as the site lies within flood zones two and three and additional information regarding the viability of retaining the front facade, as well as a business case for the operations of both the cinema and restaurant.

Currently, there are 68 objections to the development on DDC’s planning portal from neighbours, and 16 comments in support.

Previously, both Historic England and Save Britain’s Heritage lodged their opposition with concerns over how the demolition of the former cinema would impact the Middle Street Conservation Area, which was the first to be designated in the county.

Applicant James Wallace previously said how he hoped the new scheme could give something back to the community of Deal.

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DDC said talks to confirm a further extension are underway, but it’s unknown whether this will be agreed.

A spokesperson added: “Additional information to assist in assessing the planning application was requested in December 2024, and an extension of time for determination was agreed upon until February 28, 2025.

“This information has not yet been received, and the council will therefore seek to agree a new extension of time for determining the application.

“If this deadline were to pass without an agreed extension of time, the applicant could choose to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate against non-determination of the application.”

The Regent 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 applicant has been contacted for comment.