POOLE is in line for a world class marina and top notch hotel if £100million plans to redevelop Salterns Marina are approved.

"Effectively what it brings Poole and the area is world class status," said property consultant Richard Carr, who worked up the scheme to transform the "tired" hotel and 40-year-old marina at Lilliput.

"Poole arguably is the second largest natural harbour in the world," he said. "Why haven't we got world class facilities like they have at Sydney Harbour, for example?"

Acting for Salterns Marina, he has revealed more of the details of the full planning application which they hope will go before Poole planners before the end of the year and if successful work could begin this time next year.

Plans include demolishing the present hotel and building a new 60-bedroom five star or Relais and Chateau style luxury hotel with sixth floor gourmet restaurant at the sea end of the site, with panoramic views over the harbour to Brownsea Island and the quay.

This will also include 24 apartments and marine retail facilities on the ground floor. On the current hotel site there would be 49 apartments, a wider access road and higher marina sea wall to prevent the risk of future flooding.

The 275 berth marina, which includes 75 swinging moorings, will be reconfigured and facilities improved and all marine businesses currently on the site will be catered for. And there will be a members' bar for Poole Harbour Yacht Club.

With celebrity chef Rick Stein due to open a restaurant at the former Café Shore premises at Sandbanks this autumn, he said that would add to the amenity value of the area and attract others of the same calibre.

"For the restaurant on the roof I anticipate an operator of the same standard, certainly of national standard if not international being interested in that, because of Rick Stein coming here," he said.

"I have been coming to this marina since I was a child," he said. "I have a great affection for Salterns - for the whole thing. It would be very nice to see it redeveloped."

The plans on the Borough of Poole website have attracted around 70 comments from residents and residents' groups and he acknowledged there was some local opposition to the proposals.

"I know there has been a few comments from some grey haired retired professionals. Effectively there needs to be progress," he said.

*Around 9,500 households will be receiving a newsletter along with a feedback form and Mike Denness of Meeting Place Communications is welcoming feedback on the plans. Contact details to come.