A 1920s cinema in Weybridge, Surrey, is set to be transformed into a 400-seat church and community venue.

This comes after Equippers Church received planning permission to redevelop the long-vacant Weybridge Hall.

The international church movement purchased the site from Elmbridge Borough Council for £1.2 million last November.

Planning approval was granted on 10th June, as reported by Surrey Live.

The old cinema will be repurposed to include an auditorium, kitchen and multi-purpose rooms for both church and community use.

Paul Utley, speaking on behalf of Equippers Church, said: “It’s really important to us to be good neighbours. We want to be an asset to the community.”

However, some local residents raised concerns over increased noise and traffic.

Kath Wallace, who lives beside the hall, said the plans would negatively affect neighbours’ “peace and quiet and safe access” and called for strict limits on soundproofing, parking and hours of use.

Council officers confirmed conditions had been added to address noise issues.

Despite 32 objections and calls to preserve the hall as a cinema or theatre, councillors said no arts group had come forward to purchase the site.

Cllr Judy Sarsbury welcomed the church's plans, saying: “Weybridge needs the building to come alive again.”