PLANS to make part of Hengistbury Head beach into a surfing hot spot are being released to the public.

The idea would see the famous Long Groyne at the beauty spot transformed into an artificial reef.

Former competitive surfer Guy Penwarden, who is behind the scheme, said it could create a point break – an ideal wave for surfers – while also reducing erosion of the coast.

And BCP Council has said it has discussed the proposal, and found it "interesting".

“If the surfing reserve plan goes ahead, it would be an ideal off-season tourist destination for the area,” said Mr Penwarden, who lives in Bournemouth.

The current layout was flawed, he said, because although the groyne, built in the late 1930s, protects the headland, the natural sand replenishment at East Cliff and Mudeford further around the coast was prevented.

“By making the long groyne, it robbed Peter to pay Paul," he said.

“If the groyne was moved around 20 degrees further around to the south west, it would mean that the beaches further eastwards would be replenished from sand being swept around the coast and, as a result, it would have the potential to create an ideal surfing environment.”

He said he had been liaising with the Coastal Marine Applied Research team at Plymouth University to discuss running simulations on new angles for the groyne.

If the surfing project were given the green light, it is expected to cost between £20,000 and £30,000. However, the new scheme could benefit from Landfill Communities Trust funding from Canford Environmental.

A spokesman said: “For any grant application to be approved, a project needs to demonstrate environmental benefits and nature conservation measures which would benefit the local wildlife and community. This project has been brought to our attention and we will be monitoring it.”

A BCP Council spokesman said: “We can confirm that we have met with the individual to discuss his proposals face to face, but we have concluded that whilst they are interesting, our current priority is to manage the impact of coastal erosion only.’’

Earlier this year, plans were revealed for a £35 million surf lagoon with a wave machine in Bournemouth. Boscombe’s infamous failed £3.2m surf reef project was unveiled in 2009. Officials deemed the wave quality to be ‘substandard’, and the company behind it, ASR Ltd, went into liquidation in 2012.