CHRISTCHURCH residents will soon be able to have their say on ambitious plans to transform and revitalise a popular recreation ground.

Draft plans for Stanpit Rec in Christchurch detail improvements to the popular piece of land, once a landfill tip before it was capped and seeded in the last century.

Community events including the Rotary Bonfire and Lions Club car boot sales take place regularly on the land, a popular site for dog walkers and local residents.

And now, thanks to £120,000 worth of outside funding, proposals have been drawn up to enhance the area and will be sent out to public consultation.

A landscape architect has proposed a scheme including a more welcoming and improved public open space and more facilities including picnic areas, seats, natural play and a low key dog agility area.

There could also be a slightly larger car park and facilities for cyclists, new information signs, improved wildlife corridors and opportunities for art.

Senior countryside officer Peter Holloway, who presented the report to councillors on the community services committee, told members the funding allowed the council to “carefully plan and improve for all uses and make it more attractive for dog walkers.”

Ward councillor and leader of Christchurch council, Ray Nottage said: “This will raise the bar of attraction for the area.

“It is the entrance of one of the jewels in Christchurch.

“The ward councillors have been looking at this for a long time.

“We are delighted that we have got as far as we have and this is a real improvement as far as I am concerned.”

Cllr Claire Bath said: “I think it is a great scheme and will be of great benefit to all of our community.

“A lot of people from other wards visit there so it will be appreciated by all.

“Sitting on planning it is nice to see the heathland mitigation fund coming to our area.”

The public consultation will take place from Monday March 11 for 12 weeks.

Go to dorsetforyou.com/stanpitrec or the consultation is available at the Civic Offices, Steamer Point and Stanpit Marsh Information Centres, Christchurch and Highcliffe Libraries and the Christchurch Information Centre.