MUDEFORD Quay could be getting a new water sports facility if a company’s plans are given the go-ahead.

ORA Events, which organises the New Forest Marathon, wants to demolish an unused slipway shed next to Highcliffe Sailing Club and build a larger replacement structure from which it will run activities such as surfing and kayaking.

The existing shed used to provide slipway management but is currently vacant and is showing signs of damage.

The slipway, which has also become weathered in places and covered with shingle, is surrounded by a number of redundant boat trailers, unused rope and other litter.

ORA Events says in its application that it aims to use the existing site to create a “community-focused project that will bring benefits to the local authority, local residents and visitors of all ages to provide a range of low impact, professionally managed land and water based activities”.

It also plans to provide a new quay information point.

Two separate sheds would be adjoined to create one structure, providing an area for storing water sports equipment, changing facilities and an office/reception area.

The site, which lies within the Mudeford Quay Conservation Area, is near to a number of listed buildings including The Haven Inn, Little Haven, Gentle Calm and its adjoining cottage, as well as Dutch Cottages and Haven Cottages.

“The use of a timber in a light blue reflects the seaside vernacular of other nearby structures and beach huts found along Avon Beach and nearby Hengistbury Head,” says ORA Events in a statement attached to its application.

It adds: “The materials used in this proposal are timber logs (Nordic Spruce) with uPVC windows and doors and an EPDM rubber roof. No mains power will be required to the building due to its low energy demands, as such, photovoltaic panels will be installed to the roof to provide sufficient power to operate laptops and payment systems.”

The company says the existing site would be “spruced up” by removing unused equipment and litter which is “scattered around the site”.

Shingle areas would be raked and de-weeded and the existing ramp cleared of debris.

“All this will help rejuvenate the site and periodic housekeeping will provide a safe and hazard-free area for the public to use.”

Although it has no objections to the proposal, the council’s coastal management team said the applicant must ensure the new structure is secured firmly to the existing concrete base to “avoid the building from floating during conditions of flood”.