The UK Independence Party has called for a referendum on the future of Bradford's former Odeon cinema.

The call has been welcomed by campaigners opposed to plans to demolish the building and replace it with the New Victoria Place, a £55 million mixed-use development.

Regeneration chiefs say a referendum would be inappropriate, the public has already been consulted and will have another chance to voice opinions when a planning application is submitted.

Jason Smith, district spokesman for UKIP, said: "The future of the Odeon is of great concern to the people of Bradford, as was apparent by the great turn-out at the recent Hug the Odeon' event.

"If we are to regenerate Bradford, then I believe the Odeon would be an excellent place to start. A restored Odeon could become, for example, a regional concert hall or arts centre.

"I would call on the people of Bradford to support our call for a referendum."

The demand prompted a joint statement from Bradford Centre Regeneration - which is spearheading development on the site - and Yorkshire Forward, which bought it for about £2m in 2003.

They said: "New Victoria Place will create a stunning new landmark for Bradford, creating jobs and investment, attracting new visitors to the city and providing the leisure and office facilities needed to successfully revitalise the city.

"The Odeon building closed in 2000 because it had proven to be economically unviable as a cinema, bingo hall and as a concert venue and it has remained unoccupied ever since. "

They said many proposed uses for the Odeon had been considered but none looked at keeping the building.

Councillor Andrew Mallinson, Bradford Council's portfolio holder for regeneration, said: "The future of the Odeon will now be decided through an open public planning application where people will be once again allowed to voice their concerns.