The building which once housed glamorous restaurant The Daffodil is on the market and could become home to a pet shop or creche.

This week Cheltenham Borough Council granted permission for the use of the building to be extended to a variety of businesses.

Concerns have been raised that this could destroy the unique charm of the "heritage asset".

Originally built as the town's first cinema in 1922, the four-storey building was opened as a restaurant by Mark Stephens in 1998.

It became known for its stunning art deco interior and glamorous ambience and found fame after featuring in BBC drama Sherlock and playing host to Prince William.

Fans were dismayed when the 100-seater restaurant closed its doors last year following reports of financial difficulties.

In November owner Stuart Braddock applied to have a condition from 1996 removed which restricted the use to a restaurant.

The council granted permission on Monday meaning a new tenant could transform the building into a wide variety of class E businesses. They include an artists studio, dentists, solicitors, internet cafe, creche or pet shop.

However an indoor sports business will not be allowed due to concerns about noise and disturbance for neighbours.

While Cheltenham Civic Society did not object to the application, it was "concerned" that alternative uses may require significant changes to the historic building.

It asked for the building to be listed "as a matter of urgency to preserve this heritage asset".

The council said it noted the Civic Society concerns but that no works to the building were currently proposed. It said the site is locally listed and no consent is required for internal alterations.

The building at 18-20 Suffolk Parade went up for sale in the winter following the closure of the iconic restaurant last summer.

It is being marketed by London agent David Coffer Lyons who said the three-story building is in a "prime location" and has a rateable value of £48,000.

Offers are being invited on the freehold or it can be leased for 15 years for £120,000 per annum.