The public will soon get the chance to have its say on plans to redevelop the Regent into a three-screen cinema, flats and a bistro and a restaurant.

An application will at last be formally submitted to the district council’s planning department once interested parties have viewed the plans and made comments.

Owner developers James Wallace and Mark Digweed have confirmed the news and pledged the scheme will be delivered.

Mr Wallace said: “We have seen much media speculation with the development and can assure readers we are committed to providing Deal with its own three-screen cinema.”

"We can assure readers we are committed to providing Deal with its own three-screen cinema” - James Wallace, joint owner, The Regent

The pair are business partners, and with family connections to Silver Screen Cinemas in Dover and Folkestone, it is possible the Deal venture will take on that branding if it goes ahead.

It comes after the developers met with the DDC pre-planning department at the Beach Street site on Thursday, January 21.

They met again last Thursday to discuss aspects of the scheme.

James Wallace, said: “Plans have been issued to them for formal comment and we await a response from DDC.”

It was expected to arrive before Tuesday (February 9), 10 days after the last meeting.

Mr Wallace added: “Following receipt of their response we will review the comments and intend to hold public consultation to obtain feedback to the scheme prior to submission of our formal planning application.”

The event will be an exhibition of drawings and plans, showing the design of the three screens, bar/bistro (lower level), 80 seat sea-view restaurant (upper level) and apartments both levels.

A preview will be publicised in The Mercury beforehand.

News that wheels are in motion will be welcome by residents and some community groups who have been anticipating progress on the project for some years.

A repeated delay in submitting official plans was blamed on problems trouble acquiring car park land at the rear of the Regent in South Street.

The developers hope to use some of the site for apartments to make the scheme sustainable.