A date for the expansion of a cinema has still not been set - despite planning being approved almost three years ago.

Bold proposals to expand the Cineworld at Eureka Leisure Park in Ashford, which includes the installation of an IMAX screen, were approved in September 2016.

A four-storey extension to the site is planned - adding two new screens - as well as a new entrance and two restaurants.

Bosses want to build the restaurants either side of Pizza Hut - one in the cinema extension and the other in a separate unit.

Cineworld bosses had gained permission to build three new screens, but lowered that to two last year.

The IMAX will offer better picture quality than a standard screen, typically 16 metres high by 22 meters wide.

Bosses are to build the extension in two phases - the first phase being the completion of the cinema and the second being the restaurants.

Last year, developer Land Securities said the cinema extension is the priority.

The firm said: “Due to changes in the market, there are necessary changes in the phasing of the development to allow for cinema extension to be brought forward in advance of the restaurant units.

“The cinema element is a priority in the short term, with the restaurant elements to be delivered later.”

A Cineworld spokeswoman said: “We are excited for the expansion of Cineworld Ashford. The completion date has not been confirmed.”

In 2012, Cineworld snapped up the Picturehouse chain in a deal worth £47.3m.

In December, Ashford’s six-screen Picturehouse cinema opened within the £75m Elwick Place scheme.

KentOnline asked people in the town for their thoughts on the new leisure developments.

While some residents welcomed the new developments, others said it could be difficult for two cinemas to thrive.

Stan Leader lives opposite the new Picturehouse in Elwick Place.

The 53-year-old said: “I think it will be difficult for two cinemas to survive in the town. The new cinema only opened a few weeks’ ago and I’d certainly give it a go.

“But I just don’t see many people going in there - it doesn’t look like it is very busy.”

Lisa Walters, 48, of Park Farm, said: “I haven’t visited the new Picturehouse yet as I find it quite expensive.

“I think with the amount of people living in Ashford, I don’t think it’s needed.”