A LEADING conservation group says the health of Poole High Street could suffer as they cast doubts on the location for a new multiplex cinema and restaurant complex.

Raising concerns about the major development scheme, Historic England's response is one of a number of submissions over the nine-screen cinema building across Falkland Square and Kingland Crescent.

The public body said while the proposal is not situated in a conservation area, the council should consider whether this is "an appropriate location".

In their advice, Simon Hickman, principal inspector of historic buildings and areas, said: "In physical terms there is very little for Historic England to comment upon in regards to these proposals; the building proposed for demolition is not within a conservation area and nor does it appear to be of any architectural or historic interest.

"However, we note the proposals are for a mixed-use scheme which incorporates A3 uses and a cinema.

"You may wish to consider whether this is an appropriate location for such uses given the continued commercial decline of Poole High Street.

"Would a development of this type, subject to design considerations, be better located within the High Street or Town Quay area, where there may be supportive synergies with existing A3 uses?

"Our concern is that agreeing to the Dolphin Square area diversifying beyond the current purely retail offer could further weaken economic activity within the conservation area."

The major scheme, which is hoped to revitalise Poole's shopping area, was announced in September.

It would see the former Argos store and adjoining units demolished and re-developed and Empire Cinemas have signed a 25-year lease for the new cinema, which would feature a rooftop screen and bar with capacity for 60 people.

On the ground floor would be four restaurant units. The scheme would also include the refurbishment of existing shops which face onto Falkland Square and Kingland Crescent.

Other responses to the scheme include from the Society for Poole, who have expressed their "unequivocal support" for the proposal.

"It is good to appreciate that access into this part of Poole should be dramatically improved and that the war memorial is to be properly respected, as should be the case", they added.

And Poole Town ward councillor Andy Hadley, of the Poole People Party, also backed the scheme.

"Historic England's responsibility is to look after our heritage but I can't see anything of great historic merit being replaced here," he said.

"I would welcome plans to extend the range of uses in the town centre and thinking about how people can use it in different ways.

"You can pick apart any development of course, but I do have a slight concern for the Lighthouse losing out in competition, but overall I think this is a good thing."

Architect TP Bennett has said the scheme is a "significant" part of efforts to regenerate the shopping centre and the top of the high street.

"It is envisaged that the building and its relationship to its surroundings will breathe life into an area that has been underutilised for a number of years, and will transform its appearance and give a greater purpose to the public spaces that wrap around the site," a spokesman told the Echo.

"It is hoped that a vibrant mix of retail and restaurant tenants, along with a state of the art cinema operator, will strengthen the town’s leisure offer, and boost its evening economy."