Plans for a £2M cinema in Oakham's Victoria Hall are facing public opposition.

Residents from Oakham and further away have submitted objections to the proposal on the website of Rutland County Council, who will determine the application.

It comes as Oakham Town Council is set to debate the application at its full meeting tomorrow and then submit a recommendation to the planning authority.

Earlier this week, Andrew Robinson, retired CEO of Harkness Screens and former Oakham School student Genevieve Margrett, who are behind the project, reported much support for their Rutland Kino scheme and them raising half of the £2M they need to fund the project, as previously reported by Nub News.

They seek to create a two-screen cinema, featuring 92 seats in screen one, 30 seats in screen two, plus a cafe, bar and lounge space.

Their planning application, submitted to Rutland County Council earlier this summer, said: "Oakham is in need of more cultural outlets. Rutland Kino will provide a new space for the community to enjoy films, lectures (working with U3A and Arts Society) or simply time with friends.

"Throughout the day, the space can cater to different audiences from parents and babies in the mornings, pensioners at lunch and working families in the evenings.

"At weekends, kids clubs and films for teenagers can also make up the programme. The versatile lounge space can be reconfigured for different groups such as film or book clubs, knitting groups or simply private hire.

"By increasing footfall to Oakham's high street – we expect to also see a positive knock on effect for other businesses in the area."

Among the objectors, Valerie Pike of Oakham said: "Victoria Hall is a multi-function Hall for the residents of Rutland. It is not a single use premises. And do we want another cafe and bar in Oakham? I think not!"

Andrea Headley of Cottesmore said: "From a personal perspective, as an artist I use the Victoria Hall regularly to exhibit my work and have been part of many exhibitions over the years.

"It would be a great detriment to me if the hall was too go. As a Lindy Hop dancer I use the hall weekly to enjoy keeping fit and socialising with other dancers."

Andrew Bennett of Oakham said the cinema: "Will destroy a listed, historic community amenity. There is already a good, independent cinema in Melton, and should one really be needed in Oakham surely another space could be found that would not deprive numerous other groups of a convenient venue."

Stephen Baines of Oakham said: "Enough coffee shops in town already,and cinema in museum underused and underfunded."

Jackie Vecqueray of Oakham said: "I object on health and safety grounds! The stairs are very difficult for older people unsteady on their feet . Also for mums and toddlers! I know there's a lift but it 's very slow with limited capacity! This couldn't be used in the event of a fire emergency!"

Rutland County Council has yet to determine the application.