COUNCILLORS look set to refuse permission for revised plans for a £50million cinema and restaurant complex in Bournemouth town centre.

Developers have spent years trying to build West Central on Exeter Road but Bournemouth council now wants a bus station on the site.

When the council tried to pull the plug on the leisure scheme by refusing to sell its part of the site to Licet Holdings the developer amended its plans to remove a strip of council-owned land.

Now the company is asking civic planers to approve some “minor changes” to the approved development which include reducing the number of parking spaces and the size of the outdoor seating area.

Licet says it is currently finalising negotiations with operators wishing to move into West Central and is hoping to start work this autumn, in preparation for a 2014 opening.

But in a report to Monday’s planning board, principal planning officer Barry Carse recommends that permission for the proposed changes for West Central, on the site of a bus station destroyed by fire in 1976, is refused.

One letter of objection has been sent to the Town Hall.

Dorset Police have not objected but have raised concerns relating to issues including the car park management and CCTV provision.

Recommending that the amended plans be turned down, Mr Carse said: “The proposed development fails to make provision for much-needed public transport and accessibility facilities in Bournemouth town centre.”

He added: “In addition, the proposed development would result in the retention of public car parking provision on the site, preventing redevelopment with new uses which are needed to sustain the viability and vitality of the town centre.

“The proposed development would place additional demand on the existing road network in the borough and upon car parking facilities in Bournemouth town centre.”