AUTHORITIES across the conurbation are being asked to pledge their support to an "innovative, sustainable and high quality" park that will run from Kingston Lacy to Hengistbury Head.

Plans to create the Stour Valley Park have been in development for several years through a partnership involving councils, water companies, the Environment Agency, Bournemouth University, Natural England and several regional nature groups.

An 'in principle' approach and information leaflet have been compiled, while a working project team has been set up to progress the concept by securing the backing of local authorities.

Members of Christchurch Borough Council's community committee are set to meet on Wednesday to decided whether to support the new park, which will run along both sides of the River Stour.

Once backing has been received from across the conurbation, the working project team will look to identify key landowners and start discussions with them.

A report ahead of the committee meeting by Simon Trueick, Christchurch and East Dorset Councils partnership planning policy manager, says: "The Stour Valley Park could provide multiple benefits for Christchurch’s residents and environment.

"Members are therefore invited to support the project in principle and endorse continued officer involvement in order that the Stour Valley Park concept can be developed more fully.

"Any future financial or development proposals related to this project would be brought back for member approval."

The leaflet that has been produced by officers highlights the rationale for the scheme and the potential benefits it could have.

No legislation is proposed to create the park and it is stated that reference to the concept in councils' local plans will be sufficient to secure delivery of the park.

The leaflet says: "We believe that without the need to seek formal designation, we can work with partners and landowners to create a more distinctive and vibrant landscape that is enjoyable, financially stable, biodiverse, educational and useful.

"The Stour Valley Park will be developed through a partnership approach with public, private and third sector organisations, residents and landowners.

"It’s designed to bring out the best in future development projects, whether that be for nature and health, economy and tourism (both rural and urban), education or heritage.

"With a growing population of around 400,000 people and continued demand for new homes, it’s essential we plan ahead for the best use of our space. The Lower Stour Valley corridor provides too good an opportunity to miss."