Revived plans to tear down a Perthshire town’s old cinema have been approved.
Developers won permission to convert the former Regal picture house in Auchterarder four years ago, despite protests from a group of cinema historians.
Glasgow-based businessman Christopher Kasiewicz wants to demolish the Townhead 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.
Architects acting for Mr Kasiewicz lodged a fresh application to Perth and Kinross Council last year, as planning permission was about to expire. They asked for extra time to start the project.
Yesterday council officers granted the application for a further three years. A spokesman said no work could begin until developers secured a building warrant and 12 off-street parking spaces needed to be provided.
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 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 still has many of its original fittings inside, including hanging lights, wall decorations and an ornate balcony.
Most of the original seating has already been removed and the main body of the building is now used for the storage and sale of antiques.