PLANS for a new inland lagoon in Dorset have received strong support from a sport’s national governing body and a Bournemouth seafront surf shop.

The proposal for Brocks Pine off the A31 is being brought forward by Dorset developer W H White.

As reported, the firm is looking to deliver the major project in St Leonards, which would also see investment in neighbouring Avon Heath Country Park.

Ben Powis, chief executive of Surfing England, said: “We’re stoked to see the plans coming forward from W H White to bring world class waves and all the physical and mental health benefits of surfing to the south coast.

“We’re seeing wave technology evolve at a rapid pace and it’s going to be amazing to have this cutting-edge facility within a country park development that puts Dorset on the world’s surfing map.”

W H White said its ‘once-in-a-generation’ plan will deliver reliable waves for beginners and up to 1.8-metre barrelling waves for elite surfers and provide for those requiring adaptive surfing facilities.

The scheme also includes investment in Avon Heath Country Park to help reduce recreational pressures on Dorset heaths to enable the heath to thrive.

Avon Heath Country Park will continue to be owned and operated by Dorset Council. The proposed new facilities would provide improved and increased play space, green open spaces and include for a new visitor centre, forest school and café at no cost to the tax payer.

The plans are still in their early stages and Avon Heath Country Park will remain open, the developer said.

Jeff Skeoch, one of the owners of Sorted Surf Shop in Boscombe, said: “From a surfing point of view it is really positive. We have been waiting for something like this for a while.

“There is a really large surf community in Bournemouth and people travel to the area to surf but it can be quite a frustrating place to be as the surf is really inconsistent.

“Having a facility where you can plan your trip is really amazing. The prospect of it is really quite tantalising.

“A lot of people in the area travel up to the one in Bristol. Having seen how positive The Wave has been there, it is a real family friendly place, to have something similar in this area can only be positive.”

W H White said it has the means and experience to deliver the development and detailed discussions have taken place with Natural England, Surf England and Highways England.

Mr Skeoch said the planned inland surf lagoon would provide a facility where people of all abilities, from complete novices to competitive surfers, know they would be able to go out on water and tackle waves that are suitable for them.

He said: “We have seen a massive increase in interest and enquiries about the sport in the past couple of years.

“Having a facility like this available would be so positive for the sport.”

W H White is seeking the views of residents on the Brocks Pine scheme ahead of submitting a planning application to Dorset Council. Feedback can be provided online at brockspine.co.uk, by calling 0800 080 3177 or by emailing brockspine@devcomms.co.uk.

A public exhibition event is taking place at St Leonards & St Ives Village Hall in Braeside Road on tomorrow, September 9, from 2pm to 8pm.