A CINEMA preservation group is objecting to £5m plans for the former Eltham Coronet cinema's redevelopment.

Three months ago, developer Cathedral Group submitted an application to restore the Grade II Listed building in Well Hall Road, Eltham, which has become a derelict eyesore since its closure in 1999.

The Cinema Theatre Association (CTA) welcomes aspects of the proposals, including bringing key features of the art deco building such as the entrance lobby, main staircase and two foyers back to their former glory.

But it objects to plans for splitting the auditorium into three levels and removing the balcony to provide space for leisure, community, restaurant or business use.

CTA chairman Richard Gray said: "It is a splendid building with many fine art-deco features.

"We feel it is crucial Greenwich Council insists a suitably-sensible redesign is undertaken which will see the building preserved for the enjoyment of future generations."

The CTA is calling for a sympathetic redevelopment which will retain the auditorium intact and allow the building to be used as a church, meeting hall or cinema.

Cathedral Group chief executive Richard Upton says it is "unfortunate" some elements of the original design will not be restored.

He added: "While it is difficult to please everybody, we believe the scheme offers a sensitive, valuable compromise, saving what would otherwise remain a neglected eyesore."

Greenwich Council's planning board is expected to hear the application at a meeting at Woolwich Town Hall, Wellington Street, Woolwich, at 7pm on January 27.