A Chelmsford shopping centre manager has attacked a decision to build an amusement centre in the town.

Mick McDonagh, manager of the High Chelmer precinct, said an amusement centre in the Grade II listed building in High Street, would "devalue" the town.

Permission to build the centre, which is in a conservation area, was originally refused by Chelmsford Council last December. The council felt a shop would be more appropriate at the site.

But Grove Leisure Ltd has won an appeal against the decision after a public inquiry last month.

Mr McDonagh said he was surprised and disappointed by the decision.

"I felt it would have been more beneficial to let it to a retailer. There are certain retailers that are interested in Chelmsford and it seems a shame to devalue the High Street by having this sort of activity instead of a proper retailer."

The ground floor and basement of the building at 91 High Street, next to Specsavers, and opposite NatWest bank, will be convert into an amusement centre with three flats upstairs.

Roger Etchells, agent for Grove Leisure, said: "It will be an adult-only amusement centre and we believe it will be a credit to the building, which will undergo substantial refurbishment.

"The inspector who dealt with the appeal granted permission for the use so his view was it was an acceptable use."

The inspector said the amusement centre on the edge of the town's central shopping area would not weaken the retail presence and could increase the numbers of people passing through.

He added the plans would not be contrary to the aims and intentions of the council's planning regulations and the amusement centre would preserve the character of the Chelmsford Central Conservation Area.

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