THERE is a "high likelihood” of an unexploded bomb being found at Hengistbury Head ahead of groyne replacement works.
Fears unexploded ordnance could be found at the site means any work to rip out and replace the long groyne would need a survey to be done.
In a report on the application to replace the groyne at the beauty spot, a BCP Environmental Health officer said work must be done to check for bombs.
The officer said: “In relation to the submission of an unexploded ordnance scheme, I have done some research and it appears in areas where there is a higher likelihood of unexploded ordnance. 
“It would be prudent to require a survey to be undertaken prior to commencement of works.”
Plans to replace an old long groyne at Hengistbury Head are set to be given the green light when they go to the planning committee on Thursday, September 21.
Read more: Hengistbury Head long groyne could be demolished and replaced
Under the plans, the existing groyne which is 80 years old and in poor condition would be ripped out and replaced with a new armour stone and pre-cast concrete groyne 150m long.
Planning officer Mark Wadsworth said in a report: “There is a significant demonstrated need for the project, which will provide protection from coastal erosion.
“Without the project, coastal erosion would result in damaging effects to the habitats and species which are qualifying features of the internationally and nationally designated ecological sites at Hengistbury Head.
“Provided appropriate mitigation measures are in place and are adhered to during construction, there will be no adverse effect on the integrity of the designated sites, and the proposed ecological enhancements will have a positive impact on the ecological sites present at Hengistbury Head.
“The proposals will also bring long-term benefits which outweigh potential temporary adverse effects associated with the construction of the project.”
Read more: Investigation works on long groyne at Hengistbury Head
BCP Council says should the old groyne not be replaced, nearly 6,000 homes and businesses could be lost because of coastal erosion.
The plannning committee are expected to approve the council project, subject to a number of conditions such as it is begun within five years.
A decision will be made on Thursday and if approved, construction could begin in the spring or summer of 2024 and the new groyne would protect the seafront from coastal erosion for 100 years.
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