Plans to turn Deal’s Regent building into a cinema will take a step forward in a matter of days.

Developers have confirmed they will submit an application to Dover District Council this month.

It comes after repeated appeals for action, including one from a member of public at Deal’s town meeting on Wednesday.

Mark Symons, of Church Street, Walmer, asked town councillors what was going on with the Beach Street building.

He said: “It’s been over five years now. Let’s get a proper proposal and let’s get some films for Deal.”

He later told the Mercury he was concerned about the state of the building and felt if the developers’ hearts were really in it, then it would already have been completed.

The council reassured Mr Symons that the community would get a cinema as the building had to be opened as a cinema for 20 years before it could be sold on.

Claims were made that developer James Wallace was using it as offices.

But the district council has since said it is satisfied there is no breach of planning control.

Mr Wallace said: “We are occupying the premises throughout the design stage. This relates to design meetings and generating technical specifications.

“Last week we caught a man removing lead from the west side of the premises in broad daylight. Police were called to the incident.

"I trust this demonstrates to the public the required level of occupation at this stage in the development.”

He has also reassured the community it will get a cinema.

He added: “We anticipate submitting our formal planning application for the cinema and restaurant in the later part of May.

"The revised scheme is progressing well now we have agreed land rights with DDC in principle.”

"The investment team has selected an architect for the new business model which has been appointed, being Arts Architecture International Ltd.

"The managing director David Wright is personally working on the new scheme."

A district council spokesman said: “We can confirm we have carried out a recent site visit, and are satisfied that there is no breach of planning control.

"We are awaiting the submission of a full planning application, which will be treated in accordance with all usual planning policies and procedures.”