A contentious bid to tear down a Perthshire town’s old art deco cinema has been resurrected.
Developers won permission to convert the former picture house in Auchterarder four years ago, despite protests from a group of cinema historians.
Glasgow-based businessman Christopher Kasiewicz wants to demolish the Regal cinema building, which is now an antiques showroom, and build two blocks of flats in its place. The two-storey property has been on the market for some time but has so far failed to secure a buyer.
Planning permission for the development is about to expire but architects acting for Mr Kasiewicz have submitted a fresh application to Perth and Kinross Council, asking for extra time to start the project.
A spokesman for designers CKD Galbraith said: “We are of the view that the proposal submitted would allow the site to be sold and developed, which would enhance the settlement of Auchterarder.
“We do not consider there will be any impact on neighbouring uses, nor any negative visual, natural or built heritage impacts.”
The original proposal attracted a handful of objections, including one from the Cinema Theatre Association.
The group argued that the Regal, which opened its doors in 1928, was a “rare example of small-town, 1920s cinema” and was very unusual for the Perthshire area.
Concerns were also raised about increased traffic and a loss of privacy for nearby residents.
Planning officers, however, argued that the 11 new flats would not have a negative impact on the area and complied with the council’s policy on affordable housing.
The cinema, which is not a listed building, will be the subject of a full photographic survey before any demolition work is carried out.
The property still has many of its original fittings inside, including hanging lights, wall decorations and an ornate balcony.
Most of the cinema seating has been removed and the main body of the building is now used for the storage and sale of antiques.
Council officers are expected to rule on the latest application early next year.