MINEHEAD could have a new three-screen town centre cinema by early next year if a planning application is approved by Somerset West and Taunton Council.

Civic leaders have welcomed the plan to convert the empty former Lifestyle discount store in The Avenue into a movie centre.

They say it will provide a much-needed bad weather entertainment facility for residents and visitors.

Planning permission for the project – to be known as The Avenue Cinema – is being sought by businessman Pat Scott, head of Burnham-on-Sea based S and B Cinemas.

Last year Mr Scott pulled out of a similar venture involving Minehead’s Queen’s Hall after the Regal Theatre’s owner invoked a 50-year-old covenant which prohibited the Queen’s Hall from being used as a cinema.

Mr Scott’s new plan seeks to convert the Lifestyle store, originally the Regal’s ballroom, into a three-screen cinema, one for 112 patrons and two for 60 each.

The proposed cinema site is only yards away from the Regal Theatre, which for the past two years has been Minehead’s only film outlet.

The Regal Film Society, the largest in the South West, has monthly showings for its 400 members and recently installed the latest digital equipment.

Asked whether the proposed three-screen cinema would affect the society, its chairman Victoria Thomas, said: “I will be happy to comment on developments next door when the outcome of the planning application is known.”

Minehead’s mayor Cllr Sandra Slade said: “A seven-day-a-week cinema showing the latest mainstream films is what Minehead needs.

“At the moment we have to travel to Bridgwater, Taunton or Lynton to see the new releases.

“It would seem to be an excellent location, next to a major car park and near to street parking, and I can see no reason why we should not welcome this project so long as it conforms to planning regulations.

“Minehead needs more things to do when the weather is bad and this would seem to fit the bill.”

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