PLANS for Bournemouth's old Odeon cinema have been condemned as "totally insensitive and downright ugly".

In a strongly-worded statement, the town Civic Society says the council's planning board would be a "laughing stock" if it approves the "aesthetic catastrophe" proposed by Libra Homes, which would see the 1929 building partially demolished to make way for a shopping centre topped by a six storey block of 84 flats.

The statement, which will be taken into consideration by board members, states: "It is the considered opinion of the Civic Society that in comparison with a great many designs of planning applications that have come before us in recent years, we have never seen such an inept bringing together of incompatible historicist and modernist built forms in such a totally insensitive and downright ugly form."

The society says the upper facade of the flats "exhibits a certain, general aesthetic merit", but continues: "It is as if what is offered contains not the slightest respect for the visual sensibility that distinguished the appearance of the original Regent cinema, and where the main purpose of the additional structure appears to be to cram as many inadequate and unsuitable small flats on to the site as possible without the slightest consideration to preserve the distinctive silhouette of the present building as a fine adornment to the townscape of Westover Road."

Libra Homes, in an application statement prepared by Goadsby Planning & Environment, describes its proposal as an "elegant contemporary design, incorporating large elements of glazing", adding that it will "help to create a memorable townscape".

It argues the plans will “sustain and enhance heritage assets”, improve the appearance of Hinton Road and improve the links between Westover and Hinton roads.

The Civic Society is currently hoping to get the building listed by English Heritage, after society member and historic buildings consultant James Weir last month uncovered an array of elaborate plasterwork and painted panels hidden away behind the scenes.

However, many features, including the domed roof, have been lost, and Libra Homes says the building is subject to a covenant imposed by Odeon, which is moving to the nearby BH2 centre, preventing future use as a cinema.