THE owner of a 1930s Art Deco cinema destroyed by fire has agreed a ‘large and complex’ insurance claim for its rebuild cost.

A devastating fire at Regent Cinema in Lyme Regis in March 2016 caused the roof to collapse. The Grade II listed building was engulfed in the blaze which began due to an electricity fault.

The auditorium was left completely gutted, and it was demolished by owner Scott Cinemas last year to make way for the rebuilding of the cinema. The foyer was left with just cosmetic damage.

A company spokesman said concluding dealings with its insurer has been a 'much longer process than hoped' but is urging Lyme Regis residents that they are trying to progress the scheme as quickly as they can.

Scott Cinemas is ‘fully confident that the Regent will be rebuilt to its former glory’, and has paid thanks to residents for their support throughout the process, saying: “We truly recognise the importance of the cinema to the town.”

The insurance row has now been settled, but the company is not yet in a position to submit a planning application for the new cinema.

Peter Hoare from Scott Cinemas, said: "Our architects are currently working with a quantity surveyor to confirm certain building costs.

"We cannot proceed to a planning application phase ahead of that process."

Lyme Regis town councillor Jeff Scowen is passionate about the return of the cinema that was much loved by residents and visitors.

He said: “People were crying in the streets, such was the shock and sadness as Lyme's dearly beloved iconic Regent Cinema went up in flames.

“This outpouring of emotion illustrates what the loss meant to our community. However, as we all learned this week that at long last rebuilding is finally due to commence, this pain turned to joy.”

Cllr Scowen said that the job of rebuilding the cinema is ‘easier said than done’ but spirits shouldn’t be dampened.

He added: “We’ve got to be positive, it’s coming back in its Art Deco glory.”

Architects and quantity surveyors are now working on re-building plans. According to Cllr Scowen, it is hoped that the plans will be submitted in the next couple of months.

He said: “Earlier this year the company said it hoped to start work by the end of this year, but it’s not clear if that is still a realistic target.”

Regent Cinema opened in 1937. It had undergone a refurbishment shortly before the devastating blaze.