A fire-damaged crumbling former landmark cinema building will have its elegant front restored after redevelopment was approved by city planners.

The neglected 1920s Kingsway building in Kings Heath will also get a new lease of life as a ground floor shop and 14 apartments.

And although the structure to the rear will be demolished for the development, its historic façade fronting the High Street, which is on the council's list of historic buildings, will be restored and preserved.

Planning committee members recalled visiting the cinema and were delighted that the front was being kept and a productive use had been found for the building.

Coun Peter Douglas Osborn (Con Weoley) said: "I remember this particular cinema with affection. I welcome giving what has become an eyesore in Kings Heath a phoenix like recovery. A retail unit is ideal, and with residential it seems the perfect solution."

And Coun Fiona Williams (Lab Hodge Hill) added: "It is sad to see this has happened to a cinema I used to use as a girl.

"This is a good way of ensuring that at least the front is there and is the best use of the site."

Local councillor Martin Straker Welds (Lab Moseley and Kings Heath) added that residents had raised concerns over the safety of the structure and welcomed the redevelopment.

Property & General Developments and PTA Waites Architecture are behind the plans to restore the building gutted by fire in September 2011.

They want to demolish the damaged structure to the rear, adding a new two-storey structure. They will retain the Grade A, locally listed façade at the front.

Designed by Horace G Bradley, it closed in 1980 as a cinema and reopened as a bingo hall a few years later until 2007 since when it has been vacant.

Eighty per cent of the fixtures and fittings were destroyed by the fire and previous applications have sought permission to install telecommunications equipment and create a restaurant, wedding and banqueting complex.