BUSINESSES which have to make way for a new cinema complex in Cirencester will be helped to move elsewhere, the developer has said.

Last week Cotswold District Council approved plans for a four-screen cinema, shops, restaurants and student accommodation in Brewery Court, which means many of the current businesses there have to find alternative premises.

Wildmoor Properties Ltd, which is behind the complex, said it would try to help these businesses find other locations in the town.

Traders in Brewery Court were opposed to the development and gathered more than 2,000 signatures on a petition objecting to the scheme.

A Wildmoor spokeswoman said the development would be a "tremendous boost for the town”, adding: “The next stage is dialogue, including detailed design and consultation with all the scheme’s stakeholders, but also we are keen to support the existing traders with their relocation in the town.”

Wildmoor were not able to say when work would begin on the development. It is expected to take 12 months to complete the shell of the building, before individual businesses move in and fit out their premises.

The cinema will be run by Everyman and business are already secured for about 70 per cent of the shop and restaurant units. Hilary Stewart, one of the directors of Jungle Boutique in Brewery Court, said her shop had not yet been approached by Wildmoor for any consultation over moving elsewhere.

Owner of The Wendy House furniture shop Carl Smith said: “The problem is finding something well located in town to offer something similar. It’s ok for other retailers but for furniture there are not many businesses this size on the ground floor. That is my worry. All the units in Cirencester are quite small.”

When the council's planning committee approved the development, 13 members voted in favour and two abstained from voting - councillors Joe Harris and Merryl Phillips, who said the design was too big and out of keeping with the rest of the area.