THE conversion of a 100-year-old cinema to flats has been approved by councillors.

Outline plans to convert the former cinema and bingo hall in Portsmouth Road, Woolston, have been given the green light by the Southampton City Council’s planning and rights of way panel.

They praised the “clever design” of the proposals, which will retain the facade of the building, which was first opened in 1913 and was most recently used as the New Century Bingo club, which closed in 2007.

Most of the building will be torn down and replaced with the 11 flats, ten of which will contain one bedroom and one of which will contain two.

There will also be associated storage and refuse facilities.

The panel approved the plans and the council’s planning and development manager will now grant outline permission.

The developer will return to the council with an application for full planning permission later in the year.

Architect Tony Oldfield said: “I’m obviously very pleased that the committee has approved the application.

“I would hope that the application potentially kick starts further redevelopment in the area, which is sorely in need of some TLC.”