Deal Regent Cinema Development Faces Potential Takeover from Council

Deal’s old cinema, The Regent, might face demolition. It has become run-down lately. There are plans to build a new cinema there and it would have two screens, one with 51 seats and another with 24 seats. Nine townhouses would also be built close by.

Dover District Council (DDC) is reviewing the plans, but a deadline is approaching fast. The Planning Inspectorate could take over the decision if DDC doesn’t act soon. DDC is requesting more information from the developers and an extension to decide properly; however, campaigners worry about losing local control.

Reopen the Regent wants action and thinks the delay is “unacceptable”. Fay Franklin chairs the group and she says the plan may expire soon, with no public meeting. She believes the council would reject it because Deal and Walmer Town Council oppose it, as do many locals.

Mike Eddy sits on Deal Town Council’s planning team and wants the issue resolved quickly. He fears losing the landmark building, as well as the parking. He believes they need to protect the building for Deal.

The new cinema will include a cafe and a multi-use room, along with new public bathrooms. Land behind the site is slated for houses; each townhouse will have four bedrooms and a garden. The new building is envisioned to resemble the old one.

DDC extended the deadline in December because they needed more details for review, including the fact that the site is in a flood zone. They asked about keeping the facade and requested a business plan for both ventures. Currently, 68 locals object to the project, while sixteen people support it.

Historic England and Save Britain’s Heritage object, expressing concern about the demolition impact. They fear this could negatively affect the Middle Street Conservation Area as the building is now in a state of disrepair. James Wallace hopes to help the community with the plan.

DDC is seeking another extension, though it is not confirmed yet. The council asked for more information in 2024, with a deadline of February 28, 2025. They haven’t gotten this information yet, so they will ask for more time. The applicant could appeal if there is no extension.

The Regent opened as a music hall in 1928 and later became a cinema in 1933, holding 911 seats. It functioned as a cinema for 30 years before becoming a bingo hall. The building shut down in 2008 and remains empty now. They contacted the applicant for his comments.