THE details of the major scheme to reopen the Highcliffe zig zag path have been revealed.

Christchurch Borough Council officers have been working closely with contractors to finalise details for the proposals, which have now been formally submitted to the authority's planning department.

Residents and visitors have been unable to use the zig zag for more than a year, after the council closed it due to safety concerns.

Initially councillors agreed not to fund a repair project due to the estimated costs, however following a campaign from residents, this decision was reversed earlier this year.

Revised costings allowed councillors to sign off on an overall budget of £884,500 to carry out the work.

The submission of a planning application is the first visible step towards delivering the new path since the finances were agreed at a full council meeting in February.

A statement submitted alongside the application says: "The proposal ensures the continuation of the vital and well used public ramped access to the beach and Highcliffe Castle.

"The design lifespan is a minimum of 30 years but the structure will provide access in excess of this timespan.

"The proposal will provide a high quality design and enhance the character of the Castle and beach.

"The application does not create any detrimental impact on privacy or the amenity to neighbouring properties."

A report from contractors AECOM states that the proposed design would be an improvement on the construction work that was carried out on the path in 2005 in terms of cliff stability.

Bob Hutchings, of the Rothesay Drive Residents’ Association and one of the lead campaigners for reopening the zig zag, said he was pleased to see the application go in "at last".

He remained critical of the need for a planning application, but added that the submission was a step in the right direction.

"We're delighted to see the application has now gone through," Mr Hutchins said. "It has taken such a long time to get to this stage. They set a target timetable and they have just about managed to achieve it.

"We are pleased about that, although we still do not think they needed planning permission in the first place.

"This is a very important project and it is great that we have got to this stage."

Mr Hutchings said council officers have called a meeting with lead campaigners next week after months of being left in the dark on the project. Residents can have their say on the proposals by visiting the council's online planning portal, by email or by writing to the Civic Offices. The deadline for responses is Thursday, June 21.

Cllr Vicki Hallam, chairman of the zig zag path task and finish group, said the agreed timetable for the scheme, subject to planning approval, would see construction begin in autumn.