A historic building previously occupied by an arcade, snooker hall and cinema is now to be knocked down and replaced by flats.

In total, 16 new homes and three shops will replace the former Royal Leisure Centre in King Street, Deal, despite concerns over lack of parking.

The move has been described as ‘an end of an era’ on social media, as the 130-year-old building is due to be demolished.

Thirty-seven residents had submitted objections to the plans, with some calling the now-vacant building ‘part of the history’ of the town and calling for it to be listed and converted rather than torn down.

Others also claimed the change would lead to the loss of an entertainment venue and that Deal needs a cinema rather than shops.

But the proposal was approved by Dover District Council’s planning committee on Thursday night.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Helen Williams (Lab), questioned the move saying: “We’ve already got businesses shutting down and now we are adding more.”

But planning officers had recommended approval saying it would provide 16 homes in the town centre and the mixed use would contribute to the area’s vitality.

They added that converting the existing structure was unviable and it was not a designated heritage asset.

Their report said: “The design approach is considered to be appropriate and overall would conserve the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and the settings of nearby listed buildings.”

The scheme was voted through by nine votes in favour, none against and one abstention.

A total 46 people commenting on the planning portal supported the change saying the Royal was in poor condition and new homes were needed.

But there were also 37 objections on the council’s planning portal, including some who raised featr over lack of parking, as the scheme offers none.

But the officers’ report said there were off and on-street spaces nearby.

Deal Town Council had also objected because of concerns about parking and because affordable housing is no longer being offered by applicant MW Amusements Ltd, who say this is not financially viable.

Speaking against the development, resident Brendon Harvey said on the council’s planning portal: “This is a historic building relating to Deal's once numerous cinema and theatre provision

“By allowing this to be demolished another vital link to Deal's past will be lost.”

Rosie Kirk added on the portal: “This is practically a Deal landmark, used by the community and local generations for decades.

“It is a beautiful historical structure and ought to be kept as such.”

The building was constructed in 1890 as the Oddfellows Hall and turned into a theatre in 1892.

It was a cinema from 1934 to 1981, then turned into an amusement arcade on the ground floor with a snooker club on the first floor.

In April 2021 the site and its surrounding area was used as a location for Danny Boyle’s six-part TV drama Pistol, based on the autobiography of Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones.

It is not known when work will start.