Plans have been approved for a new 133-apartment scheme in Surrey.

The seven-storey development will be built on the site of the former Odeon cinema in Redhill. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year.

McBains Cooper is providing architectural and mechanical, electrical and civil engineering services and structural/civil engineering for the scheme, on behalf of owners Rainier Developments.

The project involves developing 133 homes for rent, including 15 affordable apartments, as well as new landscaped public areas to enhance the entrance area in front of Redhill station.

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Mark Leeson, Director of Design, McBains Cooper, said: "The planning process on this site has been long and complex, involving the proposal to demolish the locally listed front façade of the former art deco cinema. The development of our revised proposals for this site revolved around the notion that the site was capable of delivering more housing for Redhill than had previously been consented, a key thrust of the Government's planning framework.

"The approach was to focus on developing a high quality design, to demonstrate that the benefits of regeneration and bringing this long derelict key central site in Redhill, outweighed the loss of the locally listed façade. Working closely with the rest of the team, a robust case was put forwards ultimately supported by officers and approved by the planning committee last week.

"Public consultation undertaken during the process proved that the local community supported the proposals, and agreed that this will be a welcome contribution to help meet local housing needs.

"Construction is expected to start later this year and the first flats on the market by 2019."

(LM)