Sale's WHSmith is coming closer to a total transformation into a cinema after an application for planning permission to Trafford Council.

Manero Cinemas applied for planning permission for a cinema, The Northern Light, on the same site as the soon-to-shut shop last month.

The cinema chain behind the bid said this would be the sixth site in a portfolio including other sites in the North West such as The Rex in Wilmslow, Cheshire, and The Savoy in Heaton Moor, Stockport.

There would be three screens with armchairs, sofas, laser projectors and surround sound to create an exceptional experience for film lovers enjoying anything from blockbusters to foreign-language films.

(Image: Manero Cinemas)

This is in addition to a bar serving beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, as well as the all-important popcorn and other snacks.

Altered Space, the developer behind the development of Stanley Square in the town centre, is one of the backers of the idea.

Previously Michael Brown, the managing director of Altered Space, said: "We are delighted to welcome The Northern Light to Stanley Square. The venue will be an excellent addition increasing the footfall throughout the day and into the evening. 

"The venue will complement our exciting line-up of food and beverage businesses."

(Image: Manero Cinemas)

It is around 40 years since the closure of the Tatton Cinema, previously the Pyramid Cinema, with the Grade-II listed site still in pride of place on Washway Road.

The Northern Light would be the only one in the town as the other cinemas available to its residents are either in Altrincham, the city centre or the Trafford Centre.

There is a consultation on the Trafford Council website and the deadline for a decision by Trafford Council is September 24, which is days after the closure of WHSmith on September 14.

For information go to tnlcinemasale.co.uk or @TNLCinemaSale on social media. 

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.