I WRITE regarding the Borough of Poole's proposed Local Development Order which would enable units in Poole High Street between North Street and New Orchard to change between retail, finance, restaurant, cafe and professional services without waiting eight weeks.

While allowing use changes between retail and leisure makes some sense, the extension of this right to finance and professional services companies will do little to increase vitality in the street.

In fact it could do the reverse.

The main reason why properties remain empty is that landlords are not prepared to drop rents to a level that will attract retailers and leisure operators in this economic climate. They may be hopeful of an upturn and therefore be prepared to wait, or may be prevented from offering cheaper, shorter lets by the terms of their bank financing.

Allowing finance and professional services companies to take up space in the High Street will deter landlords from dropping rents, make it harder for landlords in the already depressed office accommodation sector, and reduce footfall as these uses do not attract the average shopper in large numbers.

CLLR MARK HOWELL, Market Street, Poole