AN £8 million scheme to convert the ABC cinema in Brighton into a casino and four restaurants was finally given the go-ahead last night.

Councillors unanimously approved the plans for the cinema in East Street.

Most of it will be converted into a casino, which does not need planning permission.

The scheme was deferred at the last moment three weeks ago to consider a police report on possible implications for crime and disorder caused by more drinking outlets.

But after further debate, planners approved the scheme 9-0.

The decision means there will be no cinema on the site for the first time since the Thirties.

When it originally opened as The Savoy, it was the largest in Brighton with more than 2,000 seats.

Developer Antony Spencer, of Falcon Land, said: "I am pleased we have got planning approval and we will now go ahead with the scheme.

"We look forward to

starting work after a long haul lasting eighteen months. We intend to restore the ABC to its full glory in its new form."

The redevelopment includes a full-scale restoration for the Art Deco building, which is in a poor state.

Permission includes a series of conditions including staggered closing times for the bars and restaurants to ensure that large numbers of people do not leave at the same time.

There will also be traffic management measures paid for by the developers, who will also contribute towards a night bus service.

But Howard Trevette, who runs the award-winning Pool Valley coach station next door, said: "I am appalled at what went on. There was no proper debate."

He said that taxis would no longer able to get into Pool Valley, causing

problems for disabled passengers, and that council officials had imposed traffic conditions without any idea of their effects.

Mr Trevette said: "This scheme is madness The council is sacrificing this coach station for the price of a pint of beer."

He said plans for enhancing the coach station would now be put on hold because of worries about the effect of the new development next door.

He plans to ask Environment Secretary John Prescott if he will call in the application for a public inquiry.

Mr Spencer said: "I would be pleased to meet with Mr Trevette to see if we can work together."

Bev Robbins, chairman of the Sussex Society of Licensed Victuallers, said; "The committee was not told the whole truth about this application and of the strong objections from the police.

"We don't need any more bars and restaurants. There are too many already.

"They have also given no thought to the traffic implications of all this."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.