PLANS to usher in a new era for a derelict cinema have been hit by a series of delays.

The Coronet Cinema, Well Hall Road, Eltham, showed its last film six years ago and has since remained disused.

A developer has put forward a £5m application for a community and retail development on the site.

But since the turn of the year three meetings to discuss the proposal have been cancelled.

Now campaigners are concerned as the delays continue, the Grade II Listed building is turning into a derelict eyesore.

John Kennett, former chairman of interest group the Eltham Society, said: "The delay is causing a serious deterioration of the building."

The proposal, put forward by developer Cathedral Group, would see the foyer transformed into a pub and the creation of a community venue.

The five shops currently on the site would be replaced by a supermarket.

Greenwich Council's planning board was supposed to meet in January to discuss the plans but the meeting was cancelled.

A second meeting was arranged for the end of March but Mr Kennett says it was called off at the 11th hour because councillors had not been to visit the site.

A third meeting scheduled for May 26 was also postponed.

Now the plans are due to be heard on June 30, the same night as the proposed extension of Charlton Athletic's stadium goes before the council.

Mr Kennett said: "It seems an awful lot to cram in on one evening. Surely the Coronet is a big enough issue to consider on its own?"

Eltham North councillor Nigel Fletcher says the process has taken "too long".

He said: "We need a decision one way or the other which will help restore the Coronet."

A council spokesman said the previous meetings had been cancelled because the Coronet was the only item on the agenda.