FORMER property developer Eddie Mitchell’s plans for a high tech football training arena at Poole’s Whitecliff Park have been deferred by councillors.

Poole council’s planning board members want more information about how the arena will look, how many youngsters could use it at the same time and how noisy it could be for neighbours.

Mr Mitchell, who is part owner of Elite Skills Arena, is seeking permission for the four-metre diameter circle training area.

He wants to install the ‘ICON’ arena to the eastern edge of the park, just south of the car park near Sandbanks Road.

Borough of Poole planning board member, and former international football referee Les Burden, said: “I would like to see something like this around. To give kids, of any age group, the chance to kick a football about is a good thing.

“Lets not be against this in terms of the footballing skills it could help.”

Yesterday’s application was an amended version of a much larger arena, which included a three-metre fence, flashing lights and sounds.

The application attracted a handful of objections from residents and local associations.

Cllr Parker said: “I’d like to see this before making a decision.”