PLANS to turn an abandoned cinema into a nightclub have hit an obstacle — after councillors decided they would rather see it used to screen films again.

Wantage Town Council is opposing a proposal to develop the town’s former Regent Cinema in Newbury Street into a late-night venue.

Brothers-in-law Steve Head and Gary Howe have applied to convert the cinema into a club, named Shush, and hope to keep it open until 3am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

But the town council has objected to the plans as it believes the building could be reopened as a cinema.

The planning application will be determined by Vale of White Horse District Council.

Town councillor Jenny Hannaby said a planning inspector had said there was a need for a cinema as new homes were earmarked for the area.

She said: “This application has not taken any notice of the officer’s recommendation. If we get the houses, there is still room for the cinema.”

Developer H&H Entertainment said that while it planned to show the occasional film, it would also offer live music, dance, comedy, charity events, boxing matches and talent shows.

Mayor Jim Sibbald said the town council had objected to the plan as it included nothing about a cinema.

Mr Head, however, said: “It has been empty for five years. If it was viable it would be a cinema and we would have bums on seats. It is amazing they are still following this dream.

“It is just a shame this process is so difficult. We have to make sure the council understand our business model. The nightclub is a small part of what we are doing. But we are very relieved at the lack of objections so far.

“This is a big thing in Wantage and we have had massive support.

“People are glad we are doing something with the building.”

But Tim Weekes, of the Friends of Wantage Cinema group, said a cinema was still realistic.

He said: “I still think it is a reasonable objective. I have not given up hope. We just need to find an operator.”

Mr Sibbald said the council was worried about the impact on the town centre. He said: “We felt the licensing hours that were being granted were out of character with the rest of the town.”

Nearby residents have also objected to the plans. Hannah Godfrey, of Post Office Lane, which backs on to the cinema, is opposed to the plans, believing the site is too close to homes.

She said: “As soon as we heard that this is happening, we’ve already had to think of moving as we are so worried about the negative impact this may have. Although it will bring more people to town, what about those of us who live here already, I feel it would push us out.”

Flora Hobden, 65, also of Post Office Lane, said there was a high proportion of elderly people living close to the site.

She said: “To my knowledge, there are a least 26 vulnerable people living in close proximity to the said nightclub.

“There is enough late-night noise in Wantage without adding to it later into the night and louder.”

Mr Head said himself and Mr Howe were working with the police and licensing authorities to ensure the club would not have a negative impact.

John Naish, chairman of Wantage Chamber of Commerce said: “We would like to see all our commercial buildings operational and being an active part of the economy. Empty buildings do not help anybody.

“Obviously there are concerns about nightclubs, but that is a management issue. We would welcome any well-managed business.”

A Vale spokesman said the plan had not yet been scheduled to go before the development control committee. The earliest it could happen was September 29, but this was not guaranteed.