CHANGES have been made to plans for a multi-million-pound surf lagoon in Dorset, but some residents and officials are still not sold.
Developer W. H. White has adapted parts of its vision for the land south east of the A31 either side of Brocks Pine and Avon Heath Country Park.
The plans were first submitted back in November 2021.
Thousands of people have commented on the surf lagoon and leisure complex, with a fresh consultation opened in April in response to amendments made to the scheme.
While hundreds of people have supported the scheme in principle, the majority of official respondents have objected.
The biggest changes to the plans are the removal of a proposed glamping site, as well as a skate park and cycle park.
Design amendments were also made to new buildings for the proposed Avon Heath Country Park extension, incorporating a new visitor centre, café, and day nursery.
Planning agents Chapman Lily said of the changes: “This development proposal has been publicly described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Dorset to cement its reputation as a surf destination and natural playground.
“But it is also an important opportunity to provide a new SANG and an extension to a popular country park, intended to take pressure off the nearby heathland and its wildlife.”
It is hoped the development would provide boost the local economy by around £5m annually.
However, opposition remains.
St Leonards Parish Council again objected to the revised application over fears the project would cause “a great deal of disruption” to the local road network.
Council clerk Jonathan Ross said: “The [council] does not consider that the amendments made significantly alter the planning application. As a result, it reaffirms its very strong objection to it.
“If the surf reef were to proceed then the number of visitors parking on local residential roads will cause a great deal of disruption, nuisance and chaos. Experience has shown that visitors attending local attractions do not park in a considerate manner.”
W. H. White has previously said traffic disruption would be minimal, as the surf lagoon would run on a booking-only basis.
Planners added: “We commend this planning application to the local planning authority as an exemplar of how large-scale leisure development can go hand in hand with social enhancements, economic improvements and a positive environmental legacy.”
W. H. White was approached to comment.
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