DEVELOPERS are eyeing up building around 300 new family homes off the A31 through St Leonards.
W.H Developers are in the "very early stages" of dreaming up plans to build new homes along with an extension of Avon Heath Country Park, having “secured interest in 67 hectacres of land”.
As well as this, around 20 acres could be put aside for commercial and employment land, all just off Brocks Pine along the A31 Ringwood Road.
The same developers also submitted a planning application in November 2021 for a multi-million-pound surf lagoon and leisure complex on the south east of the land.
James Mallinson, representing W.H White, said that plans for the homes are not concrete and that the developer’s attention is mostly focused on the surf lagoon.
He said: “While there is an opportunity to provide new homes and create more local jobs on land to the opposite side of Brocks Pine, there are no firm plans at this stage and W. H. White is investigating this through the Dorset Council Local Plan process, with matters at a very early stage.”
Read more: Boscombe watersport shop owner on Dorset surf lagoon plans
James added: “W.H White is currently focused on its exciting proposals for a world-class surf lagoon alongside significant environmental improvements, including a unique opportunity to protect Dorset’s healthlands and provide new green open space for residents.”
The developers are engaging in pre-application discussions with Dorset Council and its members before or if a formal planning application is lodged.
W.H White says it will “further develop capacity studies and preliminary development strategies for the residential and employment land”.
Read more: Glamping and cycle changes to Dorset surf lagoon plans
The existing plans for a surf lagoon have already proven to be controversial amongst residents of St Leonards and St Ives.
Hundreds of residents have objected to the plans – citing traffic and overdevelopment fears.
However, Boscombe watersports shop boss Jeff Skeoch urged people to look at to look into similar existing sites, chiefly The Wave in Bristol.
He said that the Bristol surf lagoon is proof that a well-run project could bring more tourism to the area while protecting heathlands with new green space.
According to developers, the venture will create more than 100 jobs and inject at least £5m into the local economy annually.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel