A DIRECTOR of the company which owns Matchams Leisure Park says the suggestion that motorsport will make way for a 200-unit travellers' park or a prison is "complete fantasy".

Martin Roat, director of site owner Eaglebeam Ltd, said he has no intention of selling the site.

But a spokesman for Matchams South Coast Ltd, a company granted a lease by the park owner, says a travellers' site or prison could be viable options.

Mr Roat, who is one of just a handful of shareholders, said: "In June this year Eaglebeam Ltd made a planning application for 20 houses and 20 flats on the stadium site to enable the return of 125 acres to natural habitat.

"Objections were received from Natural England, the RSPB and Dorset Wildlife Trust, primarily of a technical nature.

"The application is withdrawn in order to provide the opportunity of addressing a number of issues with these consultees.

"It will be resubmitted hopefully in January 2008.

"Certainly the loss of motorsport is an issue not withstanding that the number of participants is significantly in decline.

"The petition by local residents certainly of equivalent numbers has probably brought about the noise abatement notices.

"Any suggestion that Eaglebeam Ltd is intending to make an application for a travellers' site, prison or rocket launching pad is complete fantasy."

A spokesman for Matchams South Coast Ltd stood by its statement reported in the Daily Echo and said anyone could legally make a planning application for any site.

The company intended to submit a planning application and when it come up with a successful scheme, Eaglebeam Ltd shareholders would look at that proposal, he said.

"We have not put in a planning application yet," he added.

"My intention is to put a planning application in. My intention is to be a part-owner of that site in due course."

Christchurch Borough Council's planning control committee discussed the proposed housing scheme on October 11, as part of a consultation by East Dorset District Council.

Borough councillors objected to the plan, which has since been withdrawn, on a number of grounds.