PLANS to turn part of the site of a bombed-out cinema in Hull into a timber yard have been rejected.
The refusal of the scheme by Hull City Council's planning committee marks the latest chapter in an increasingly protracted saga surrounding the remains of the former National Picture Theatre in Beverley Road.
The cinema suffered a direct hit during a German bombing raid in 1941.
Now officially classed a grade two listed structure because of its historic importance, the ruins are believed to be the last surviving example of a bomb- damaged civilian use building in the country.
Site owner Saleem Hakim's timber store application was unanimously refused by the committee yesterday.
The decision was welcomed by the National Civilian World War Two Trust, which is hoping the city council will buy the site and lease it to them to be run as an education centre and visitor attraction.
Trust spokesman Alan Canvess said: "We are very pleased with the decision.
"We hope the council will be able to progress with a compulsory purchase order. Although, in an ideal world, we hope it might not have to come to that.
"If the council can sit down with the owner and agree a price, that would be the best way forward."
However, the prospect of that happening seems remote.
Mr Hakim is believed to have turned down a previous offer from the council.
Last month, the site failed to sell at an auction when it did not meet its reserve price.
Yesterday, councillors claimed the creation of a timber yard at the rear of the site would not be in keeping with the surrounding residential area.
They also felt the plans would create a potential conflict with approved plans for a beer garden at a neighbouring pub even though it is currently closed.
Owner will appeal
Site owner Saleem Hakim says he will appeal against the committee's decision.
Speaking before yesterday's meeting, he said: "If this is refused, we will appeal.
"The rear part is already rented out as parking."
During yesterday's meeting, his planning agent Doug Jennings was forced to withdraw comments suggesting councillors' minds were already made up because the authority was considering making a compulsory purchase order on the site.
He apologised but claimed they reflected the "frustrations" felt by Mr Hakim over the saga surrounding the development of the site.
The planning committee is due to consider making the purchase order at a special meeting on Tuesday, June 17.
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