The initial phase of a project to bring a former 1930s cinema back into use has been approved. 

Waltham Forest Council's planning committee unanimously voted in favour of plans to build a security company's headquarters on the land of a derelict restaurant adjacent to The Regal in Hale End Road, Highams Park. 

The decision was referred to the committee on the grounds of public interest and objections which were raised regarding the design, loss of privacy to homes in Beech Hall Road, and its impact on local traffic. 

Managing director Ricky Gardezi, of Highams Park-based Total Security Services (TSS), bought the locally listed building and the neighbouring Shelz restaurant last year. 

He purchased the building with the intention of creating a new headquarters for its 3,000 staff nationwide, including 100 on-site employees.  

Shelz had been boarded up and vacant for some years before a bulldozer knocked it down early last month. 

The four-storey office build will feature red brickwork, large glass panelling and will be set back one metre from The Regal to ensure it remains the focal point of the main road.

Access to The Regal will be created through a glass panelled wall, while the existing frontage will be used as the main entrance to the firm's headquarters.

Local businesses have welcomed plans to replace the restaurant and convert the Regal to bring the empty buildings back into use. 

A series of conditions agreed last night requires Mr Gardezi setting aside s106 monies which will be used to boost employment for local jobseekers by providing on-site training opportunities, a £5,000 contribution to improve cycle facilities, £10,000 towards a possible controlled parking zone (CPZ) consultation and £15,000 to upgrade two bus stops. 

Highams Park Planning Group (HPPG) outlined their support for the application by saying the redevelopment would contribute towards the regeneration, vitality and viability of Highams Park. 

Hale End and Highams Park councillor Sheree Rackham said: "It's not great for residents who live behind but in the long run I think it will be good for the area and bring jobs into Highams Park. 

"We still do not know what will happen with The Regal and Mr Gardezi's three premises he currently has in Hale End Road. He has ignored my request for a meeting with him."

Plans to redevelop The Regal are yet to be submitted. 

TSS has been contacted for a comment.