Wiltshire Council has approved an application for a canopy at the Parade Cinema in Marlborough after 271 members of the public got in touch.

The Parade Cinema is a Grade II listed building, which was formerly a congregational chapel but was recently converted into a cinema and café.

In April 2023, a clear tent was erected over the courtyard to provide shelter to customers, before the owners were instructed to take it down three months later.

According to the applicants, the tent was a huge success, enabling community events to take place whatever the weather.

The application stated: “In the financial year to May 31st 2023, for most of which we had no tent, the business lost £95,000.

“The commercial case for the tent is overwhelming.

“With the tent, a thriving café can be developed to help bring the business to profit; without it, it will be very difficult.”

It added: “We need it desperately not only for financial reasons, but for the general pleasure of the public, especially the disabled and children.”

Many local residents supported the cinema with the application, sending a large number of letters of support to the council.

It was concluded that Wiltshire Council would grant planning permission for the canopy to be installed over the courtyard for 10 months of the year.