BOURNEMOUTH is trying to cut down the transport costs developers must pay to boost inward investment.

The council thinks it will be crucial in attracting interest in sites like the proposed ice stadium in Kings Park.

It is in negotiations with other Dorset authorities, and the results of a review are due in July.

Currently, developers have to pay £713 for each extra car trip that their scheme generates.

In the case of the ice stadium, that would mean a developer theoretically paying up to £1.6million, on a scheme only expected to cost several million pounds.

Deputy leader Cllr John Beesley told the Echo he anticipates the transport costs will be halved.

He updated the full council on the ice stadium plan on Monday night and stressed how important this cut could be.

“The leisure market is currently severely depressed,” he said.

“It is anticipated that a much reduced trip rate will significantly improve the viability of this and other inward investment to Bournemouth and South East Dorset.”

The ice stadium would encompass a rink, with seating for up to 5,000 spectators, indoor leisure facilities, catering accommodation and changing rooms. Outside there would be floodlit synthetic pitches.

Cllr Ron Whittaker, an independent member for Throop and Muscliff, said a £1.6million payment would “clearly kill off the project.”

The marketing brief for developers has been put on hold until the transport situation is resolved.

The transport money is paid into the South East Dorset Transport Contributions Scheme.

It is a partnership which is agreed on by the councils of Dorset, Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and East Dorset.