A new cinema serving south Essex wants to stay open until 3am.

Vue Cinema in East Square, Basildon, which opened in July last year, has applied to extend its opening hours, saying longer hours will "allow customers to avoid busy periods".

It currently opens from 9am till 1am, but if the application is approved, it will allowed to open from 8am till 3am.

The cinema chain submitted an application to vary the conditions of the original planning application, which relate to the opening hours. Basildon Council's planning committee is set to consider the plans at a meeting on June 4. The council's planning officer has recommended that the later hours be agreed. 

The planning officer's report said: "These extended opening hours are requested to allow more flexibility, to allow film premieres to be shown as and when they are released, and to allow customers to avoid busy periods and to better reflect Vue's business model. 

"The proposed extended opening hours are not considered to cause detrimental harm to the residential amenities of the surrounding neighbouring occupiers in respect of noise and disturbance, subject to limiting the opening hours to those requested and ensuring compliance with the submitted dispersal and noise management policy.

"By enhancing and expanding a town centre use and its employment will support the vitality and viability of Basildon Town Centre, and is recommended for approval. The proposal will assist in promoting the economic resilience of the town centre.

Basildon Council, under the then Tory administration, carried out the development of the East Square cinema complex in 2017, which cost around £26 million. The cinema and restaurant complex also includes Nando's and Orleto Lounge, which will be joined by Creams Cafe and The SushiCo in the near future.