Charles Dickens had strong Kent links

Cyril Baldwin, who has played Pickwick in Rochester's Dickens Festival since the 1970s, opposes the creation of Dickens World in Chatham Maritime.

He said 26 years building an audience in Rochester would be lost as people would go to neighbouring Chatham.

The council said it passed plans after talks with Medway's Dickens Society.

A spokesman said planning permission was given in principle in 1998 for leisure use of the Chatham Maritime site, including a multiplex cinema, and then approved in January this year.

Financial backing is likely for the development, subject to planning permission Medway Council

He said the owners of the site, the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), were approached by Dickens World Ltd and the scheme was developed in conjunction with Pinewood Studios and Odeon.

"Discussions have taken place with the Dickens Society in terms of their involvement and support," he said.

"Medway Tourism has also been involved in linking attractions to the greater benefit of Medway.

"As a result, financial backing is likely for the development, subject to planning permission being given for the detailed scheme."

But Mr Baldwin said: "It will displace other attractions in the area, including Rochester.

"We spent 26 years building up the Dickens connection in Rochester and this is set to undermine it."

Centre closed

Last year, Rochester's Charles Dickens Centre at Eastgate House closed because of a decline in visitor numbers.

The Grade I listed building was used by Dickens as The Nuns' House in The Mystery of Edwin Drood and Westgate House Seminary for young ladies in The Pickwick Papers.

The council cited increasing competition from other attractions as a reason for declining visitor numbers.

Dickens festivals are held twice a year in Rochester.