An £8m cinema and leisure complex being constructed in St Neots will be pulled down because it is less than one metre out of place.

The new Cineworld will be torn down and rebuilt after a design error left the complex too close to existing houses.

"We have taken the unprecedented step of halting the existing work and have parts to rebuilt to assuage any concerns that adjoining landowners may have," Said Chris Goldsmith of site developer Turnstone Estates. "Although we are only talking about a few centimetres we believe that this is the best solution for all concerned and avoid delays of these much wanted facilities."

The 32,000 sq ft (9,753 sq m) Rowley Arts Centre will include an 18,600sq ft (5,669 sq m) six-screen Cineworld cinema and four restaurants with Frankie & Benny's, Pizza Express and Prezzo already confirmed.

The building was due to open in September but the mistake will now mean a delay of four months until January 2014.