A FORMER cinema in the heart of Lancing is to be saved and its iconic facade preserved as plans to convert it into flats were approved.

The future of the Luxor building in South Street looked uncertain after it fell into poor condition and some parts were not used for more than 15 years.

Despite there being no listed protection of the site, Adur District Council worked with developers to save the landmark former cinema.

A proposal to convert it into 12 flats and a ground-floor shop was unanimously approved by the authority’s planning committee.

This was on the condition that the building’s facade and the Luxor name be maintained.

Councillor Brian Boggis said: “I’m delighted that this unique and historic part of Lancing’s heritage could be saved.”