THE historic Astoria cinema could be demolished in the new year after Brighton and Hove City Council dropped objections.

The £24 million project looks due to go ahead despite residents’ complaints it will ruin their quality of life.

The plans were rejected in January but after amendments made by the applicants the council dropped its objection ahead of yesterday’s planning hearing.

Demolition of the site could take six months while the construction of 70 private rented flats and spaces for three businesses could take 15 months.

The flats will be run under a management scheme said to be increasingly popular in London, with residents able to hire out a dining room within the complex.

People living nearby criticised the council for failing to keep them informed, saying getting information was like “getting blood out of a stone”.

Campaigners warned the most vulnerable neighbours could be forced out because of the disruption – one concerned mother said her autistic son who had extreme sensory sensitivity would not be able to adapt to the increased noise.

Another resident said that a newly enclosed alleyway would become a site for drug users already blighting the area.

Residents raised concerns about a loss of privacy and light with one resident warning they will be “wiped out” by the building’s height, which ranges from three to seven storeys.

Planning agent Simon Bareham said the plans would increase light for some residents while special glass and “floating screens” limiting views would address privacy concerns.

Maxine Horn said: “We would have liked residents to have been treated with a bit more concern and consideration as we are the ones that will have to live through this.

“There has been no discussion about how many people might need to be rehoused, residents who have been here for years are going to find these changes distressful.”