Long-awaited plans to replace a historic seafront cinema with a new two-screen auditorium do not include enough seats, campaigners say.

Developers want to knock down The Regent in Deal to make way for a 51-seater facility and a second "more intimate" screen with a capacity of 24.

But while some residents have welcomed the scheme, which also includes nine four-bed townhouses, others feel it does not meet the needs of the town.

Applicant James Wallace finally submitted his plans to Dover District Council (DDC) earlier this month, including the reconstruction of the building's art deco facade along Beach Street.

But Fay Franklin, chairman of the Reopen the Regent campaign group, says the scheme needs to offer more space for film fans.

"We are very glad to see a two-screen option being adopted, but are still concerned about the low number of seats (a total of 75) in meeting the needs of a town the size of Deal (35,000, plus weekenders and holidaymakers) and its demographic, including young families and older people," she said.

"Prices must not be too high for ordinary local people.

"We are taking advice from top industry associations and experts on this – but we trust the developers have done so too, to ensure the business model works and the new Regent Cinema, when it opens, can be the great success we all want."

The building, close to the town's pier, 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.

Under Mr Wallace’s plans, land to the rear of the site, as well as the adjoining council-owned car park in South Street, is earmarked for the townhouses, each with its own private garden.

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.

Ms Franklin says her group is “very pleased to see that the iconic facade is to be recreated almost like-for-like in the new development”.

But she added: “We would want a condition built into the terms of any planning approval that this would not be subject to any spurious ‘need’ for change once the original facade has come down and building work begins.”

The Deal Society, which campaigns to conserve the character of the town, says “it is of some reassurance the proposal will replicate the iconic facade”, but claims the loss of South Street car park would “add to the town’s growing parking problems”.

It added: “The site is sensibly located alongside the town’s bus and taxi transport hub for its purpose as a cinema, but is that also appropriate for large, and relatively high-value townhouses?

“The major overriding concern is that all recent town centre redevelopments, and most of the larger developments around Deal, Walmer, Sholden and other surrounding areas, are not included in DDC’s Local Plan, which is intended to be the approved framework against which all developments are evaluated up to 2040.

“That means that Deal town centre changes are taking place in the absence of any vision that residents and businesses have contributed to that shapes the future of their town.”

Deal Town Council says the authority will discuss the plans at its next meeting on Monday, September 2.

Planning committee clerk Laura Marney said: “The committee has previously voiced concerns on matters which included parking issues, the loss of facilities and losing historic and treasured buildings in Deal and for a full and transparent public consultation with more consideration to be taken.

“The new plans will be scrutinised by the committee and we will once again feed back to DDC.”

On the authority’s planning portal, 25 people have submitted objection comments, with nine backing the project.

One of the supporters, Sharon Bentley, says it will be good to see the building up and running again.

“Anything that is there for the people of Deal and those who holiday here is a welcome addition,” she said.

“It is an eyesore at the moment, and if it had character, it would be a welcome addition.”

Charlie Brown, 75, who has lived in the town all his life, says the building needs to be improved.

”It looks absolutely dreadful; it would be good to get new houses in - someone will be able to afford them.

“It would do Deal a really big favour to get that done.”

Mr Wallace says he has taken on board comments received at a public consultation held last year.

He says key changes to the scheme include adding the secondary cinema screen to “offer more film choices and enhance the entertainment experience”.

A new cafe/restaurant and multi-function room are also planned, as well as a new public toilet as an existing block in South Street car park is set to be built on as part of the development.

“This application reaffirms our focus on delivering a project that brings value and enjoyment to the Deal community,” Mr Wallace said.

“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 various 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 Deal's overall vibrancy.

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

“The cafe/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.”

DDC says it “has not agreed to sell” South Street car park or “made any commitments regarding any sale of this land”.