PLANS to turn Colchester’s old Odeon cinema into flats will be decided by councillors after concerns were raised about demolishing the building’s iconic facade.

Owner Blumarble Property wants to pull down the entirety of the Crouch Street premises and replace it with 55 apartments, two retail units and a basement car park for residents.

The famous street facing foyer would be rebuilt once demolished, however concern has been raised about the demolition of the premises, which is a locally listed heritage asset.

Ward councillor Mark Goacher has called in the application to the planning committee, calling for the proposals to be given “full scrutiny” by members.

He said: “This is a major site in Crouch Street, Colchester.

“The proposal to demolish the entire building contradicts previous guarantees the facade would be retained.

“This is a building of historic importance visually and parts of it are listed.

“Also the proposal for a block of flats would alter the residential density of the street by a large amount with implications for traffic congestion and parking.

“As such these matters are significant and this major application should be heard by the planning committee and given full scrutiny by democratic representatives.”

Blumarble says demolishing and replacing the building’s frontage is the only financially viable option for the site, which has been empty since the cinema chain moved to purpose built premises in Head Street in 2002.

Its previous £10 million plans to convert the building into a smaller number of apartments, and retain and revamp the foyer, stalled as they were not cost effective.

The old Odeon was designed by Cecil Massey and built in 1931.

Since the cinema closed the building has been blighted by antisocial behaviour and Colchester Council has issued two section 215 orders ordering Blumarble to tidy it up.

Planning committee members will decide on the scheme.