Evesham's Regal cinema is set to reopen as a triple screen film theatre after plans to include a casino and nightclub in the development were scrapped.

Wychavon planning officials have recommended that a scheme which will include a bowling alley, restaurant and bar and five penthouse apartments should be approved when it goes before the planning committee today.

However the council is likely to demand assurances that the striking art deco ceiling in the listed building must be maintained and protected during the development of the building.

The proposal to include apartments on the roof was criticised by Evesham Town Council who opposed the development on the grounds that it would impinge on the privacy of other local residents, but English Heritage, The Twentieth Century Society and the Cinema Theatre Association have all given cautious approval to the scheme.

The new development would include two shop units fronting Port Street and two of the cinema screens would double as a bingo hall and bowling alley.

Members of the planning committee were being told today: "English Heritage now consider that an appropriate level balance has been reached between conservation of the most historically significant parts of the building and its economic viability. We have no objections to these applications."

The Twentieth Century Society welcomed the return of a cinema to the town but urged that all internal alterations should be reversible, enabling a return to its original layout at a future date. Local reaction, however, was less favourable.

A number of residents expressed concern about the lack of parking facilities in the area and noise created by people leaving the premises at night.

However, the Civic Society has warmly welcomed the proposals and urged the council to give the go-ahead.