Doubt over cinema plan

May 23 2008 Chester Chronicle

A THREE-STOREY extension to Chester’s Grade II listed art deco Odeon cinema building may not be able to be built even if plans are approved.

The city’s planning board was due to hear on Wednesday that the service yard at the rear of the former cinema on which the extension is proposed is thought to be a legal access to the rear of properties on Hunter Street, King Street and Northgate Street.

But councillors decided the application, which had been recommended for approval, should be deferred to enable further consideration of the implications.

Developer Hunter Street Ltd is seeking approval to demolish part of the end of the building to make way for a new ticket office, foyer and staircase.

The County Engineer objects on the grounds car parking would be lost, the possible right of access would be blocked and the scheme would be detrimental to the Northgate Development.

For the developer, agent Donald Insall Associates has told the city council: “Our client points out there is no right of way over the Odeon’s land.”