Residents and holidaymakers have welcomed plans for a derelict cinema to be knocked down, likening the “eyesore” site to a “pigeon’s nest”.

Plans have been put forward to tear down The Regent in Beach Street, Deal, and build a 49-seat picturehouse on the site, as well as a cafe and 12 homes.

However, some have labelled the proposed capacity of the revamped venue as “ridiculous”.

The cinema opened in 1928, offering 911 seats, before shutting down in 1963. The site was then turned into a bingo hall until it closed for good in 2008.

According to owners James Wallace and Mak Digweed, the condition of the building means it must be demolished, but the art deco frontage, installed in 1933, will remain.

Tracey Thompson, who lived in Deal for 20 years and has recently moved to Shepherdswell, says it is a great idea to reopen the site as a cinema, as long as the original features are maintained.

“But I think 49 seats is a bit too small,” she added.

“Deal is quite a large place now so I would have thought it would need more than that.

“Hopefully it will encourage people into the area. I remember when the old cinema was shut – that was a real shame and I think that was missed so hopefully it will be well used but 49 seats is not a lot.”

Holidaymakers Sheila and Ray Chapman come to Deal every summer and say the building needs knocking down.

“It is an eyesore,” Mrs Chapman said.

“I am surprised it has not attracted vandalism. It is a pigeon’s nest at the moment.

“It is getting worse, so it will be a good thing if it is reopened as a cinema.”

Resident Roy Humphrey says reviving the site is a good idea, but he is unsure if people will use it.

“It will be nice to have a cinema but we get so much on the TV now, I do not know if people will use it,” he said.

“It is a good idea and the practical thing to do. It will also give people something to do.”

Steve and Lesley Shaw were also on holiday from their hometown in Leicestershire and said it will be a great amenity for locals.

“It is an empty building so it is a shame it is in such a state of disrepair,” Mr Shaw said.

Former resident Peter Lavin worked in Deal 20 years ago, and was visiting the area to see friends.

“Forty-nine seats is a bit ridiculous,” he said.

“It wants doing though, there is a lot of history there so it is a nice thing to do.

“However, it could just be revamped. The dome needs doing but the structure looks solid.”

“It needs to be something for the locals but it depends on how expensive it is as to whether people will use it. It would be good if they offered senior discounts for retired people who live here.”

Twelve homes are also planned for the land and part of the adjoining car park, with developers saying the most economically viable thing to do is to create a mixed-use site.

The homes would comprise nine townhouses and three apartments. The two-bedroom flats would be above the cinema and protected from its sound thanks to insulation, say developers. The houses, with their own gardens, would be behind the cinema.

A spokesman for the owners said: “The condition of the existing building requires a demolition and complete rebuild.

“These proposals will ensure that the iconic art deco style frontage will continue to grace Beach Street. The economic viability of the development means that a mixed-use project is the way forward.”

Residents can find out more about plans during online consultations, held on Wednesday, June 21, and Thursday, June 22.