A decision on the future of an old bingo hall has been put on hold to allow councillors to visit the derelict building.

On Wednesday, members of Brighton and Hove City Council's planning committee postponed a decision on the demolition of the Hove hall until its next meeting in three weeks' time.

The Gala Group, which owns the Thirties' blue and cream art deco building in Portland Road, wants to build a block of 54 apartments ranging from three to six storeys.

The bingo hall was once an opulent cinema known as the Granada but has fallen into disrepair since it closed two years ago.

Officers have accepted the principle of demolishing the building but, after considering the views of local residents, recommended the site should be reserved for an indoor recreational facility, preferably with some space for community use.

Councillors said they wanted to take a closer look at the site before making a ruling.

Anil Patel, 51, who owns AR Convenience store opposite the Gala building, said: "Portland Road is coming up nicely but there is nothing for older people here. Let them build flats but make sure old people live in them."