Campaigners from the Reopen The Regent group will discuss the progress of the cinema development plan with district councillor Bob Frost tomorrow (Friday).

The Dover District Councillor will discuss the development's progress with members of the Reopen The Regent group on Friday.

It follows criticism levied to the Regent's owners James Wallace and Mark Digweed because no formal planning application has been submitted to Dover District Council in the five years they have owned it.

Mr Wallace has clarified allegations that his business SCI is being run from the derelict seafront premises, which has put DDC in the firing line because the authority has not taken enforcement action, which it deems unnecessary.

Mr Wallace said: “A full review was undertaken by DDC on our occupation of The Regent and assessment of rates.

“To be clear the building is being occupied for design development, holding meetings with our pre-construction team and undertaking pre-construction activities as required. The other reason for occupation is for security reasons to deter squatters, criminal acts of vandalism, drug abuse, and theft which have all been witnessed at some point since occupation.”

“Throughout this period we have maintained a close working relationship with the police and our local Police Community Support Officers in crime prevention.”

Cllr Frost has frequently liaised with the developers and DDC's planning officer, who confirmed that pre-planning discussions have always been about creating a cinema, quashing theories the developers secretly plan to turn it into housing.

Cllr Frost said: "People need to realise that we are talking about a prime sea-front site immediately next to the historic Time Ball Tower and it is important that we get any development 'right' both for the owner of the property (who has already spent well into six figures on consultancy and design), the wider community of Deal and future generations yet to come."

Mr Wallace said comments about the progress and use of the Regent highlight that now is the time for consultation with the public where interested parties can be told key facts.

He added: “Up until this point there has been no benefit in holding further consultation with key groups until we had a response back from DDC Pre-Planning Department in order to provide the key facts for any review and further consultation.”

Cllr Frost has been assured by the planning department that the developers have always intended to consult with the public before an application is submitted.

In a letter to the editor in Kent Online's sister paper The East Kent Mercury(p24-25), Alan Clarke of the Deal Society criticised the owners of the Regent for using it as offices. He blasted DDC for not enforcing it too. All the while interested parties still “don’t have a clue” what is planned for the site, he said.

“We are now faced with infinite further delays with everyone being blamed and criticism or pressure perhaps taking its toll,” he said.

Mr Wallace said he dismisses the comments made by Alan Clarke, adding: “We have consulted The Deal Society previously in 2014 who were very proactive in providing historic images of the building to facilitate a heritage exercise we were completing, as such we appreciate their efforts to date.”

He said he was not referring to Deal Society in last week’s statement in the Mercury, that they are trying to deliver a scheme amid ongoing pressure from local groups who “have not got a clue what it takes behind the scenes to deliver such a scheme.”

He said: “Alan was assisting my PA (at the time Rachel Aitchison) who was carrying out the aforementioned heritage review.

“I see the comments as a kneejerk reaction to my statement made last week which was not directed at “The Deal Society” nor “Reopen The Regent” however Alan’s statement does not address fundamental issues we face.

last week Mr Wallace renewed his promise that the exterior of The regent will be cleared up. The planning department has confirmed to Cllr Frost that action will be taken if this is not done in a timely manner. A contractor has been appointed and work should begin in May.