PROPERTY developer and former Cherries chairman Eddie Mitchell has submitted plans for a new 3,900 capacity beach arena at Sandbanks.

His proposals for the Elite Skills Stadium, at the current pavilion site which is owned by Borough of Poole, also include plans for retail units, beach studio boxes, food outlets and new office accommodation.

Mr Mitchell says the three-storey arena will be designed for all-year use and that it could accommodate activities including beach polo, beach volley ball, beach football, show jumping, a winter ice rink, concerts, X games and performing arts.

He even suggests that should the arena become a reality, it could become home to England’s national beach football team.

Mr Mitchell explained: “During 2012 and 2013 the Borough of Poole prepared a draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) called ‘Sustaining Poole’s Seafront’.

“The premise of which is that there have been years of underinvestment to the seafront, facilities and infrastructure.

“It clearly states that ‘doing nothing is not an option’. The preferred option is ‘doing something’ in line with the overall framework set out in the SPD, allowing the community to take positive steps to maintain the quality and appeal of the seafront for future generations. It is from this standpoint that we have prepared a proposal on Sandbanks beachfront.”

The design statement supporting the proposal highlights the ‘growing popularity’ of beach football.

It also states “the arena can offer the England beach football team a national home, with provision for up to three pitches.”

Plans also include 40 replacement beach huts, a 450-space car park and 40 new beach studio boxes.

Borough of Poole planning and regeneration manager Richard Genge said: “We can confirm that an outline planning application for a Sandbanks Beach Arena has been received.

“This proposal will now be checked for validation and subsequently considered by officers.

“We are aware that the proposals relate to land owned by Borough of Poole and appropriate notices have been served by the applicants.”

Mr Genge added that any representation received by the council as land owner, will be “taken into account in the context of the council’s planning policies.” n Earlier this year Eddie Mitchell unveiled his ambitious vision for the future of Sandbanks, which included an imposing 33-storey ‘sports tower’.

He hoped that vision, which by his own admission at the time were “thoughts only” and was not submitted to Borough of Poole, could help finance maritime defences.