WORK has started on creating an extra screen at York’s Reel Cinema.

Plans were given the go-ahead by City of York Council in spite of initial objections from an authority conservation officer.

Cinema boss Kailash Suri said work on the fourth screen started yesterday and he hoped it would open to the public before Christmas.

Reel, which reopened the former Odeon picturehouse in Blossom Street earlier this year following a refurbishment, is creating the 40-seat screen in former offices on the first floor.

Mr Suri said the extra screen would be a very important addition, allowing the company to show more films and to stage special screenings.

The proposals initially seemed to have hit a glitch, after conservation officer Mark Barratt said in a report that while the conversion of the office could “potentially be supported” he was opposed to some of the proposed alterations to the Art Deco Grade II listed building.

However, a report by development control officer Jonathan Kenyon subsequently said that, after further information had been supplied to the council, conservation officers were now in support of the proposals.

He said the proposal was justified and, subject to conditions, would not cause undue harm to the special historic interest of the building.

“The building retains its intended use, which is welcomed by officers,” he said. “It is recognised that alterations may be needed over time to meet modern demands.

“The proposals are supported, as they will benefit the viability of the listed building and keep it in active use.”

Mr Suri said he was pleased by the decision. “We would hope to open to the public on December 17. It will allow us to be more flexible.”

He added that plans to create an Indian restaurant in the former shop on the ground floor were also being worked on, and he hoped it would be able to open in 2010.