SANDBANKS residents, business owners and visitors have been reacting to the latest chapter in the Eddie Mitchell beach arena saga.

Proposals for a 650-seat arena will go before Borough of Poole's (BOP) planning committee on Thursday - after council officers recommended giving planning permission.

Dorset Police, Dorset Wildlife Trust and the council's own transport and environment bosses object to the scheme.

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Planning officers have also reiterated the site is owned by the council, not the applicant, and their recommendation to issue planning permission should not imply support for the project.

Yesterday, the Daily Echo spoke to Sandbanks residents, visitors and businesses to gauge public feeling..

"I think it would be a real shame if it ever went ahead," said Carolyn Spiers. The retired Wimborne resident who often walks her dog at Sandbanks added: "The way things are at the moment at Sandbanks is much more of an incentive to make families come down."

Meanwhile, retiree Judith Young said: "I think to change Sandbanks from what it is, it would be a pity. What do we need a beach arena for? There is enough down here for people to entertain themselves."

Under the proposal, lodged by Elite Skills Arena - a company part owned by property developer Eddie Mitchell - the new scheme would retain the 1928 pavilion, but 44 new beach huts would be constructed.

Sandbanks watersports instructor Jonathan Thomson said: "I think it could happen, whether or not it would be a benefit to the area is another issue. I understand it may also be used as an outdoor performance area, which could be good."

Sandbanks Stores owner Karen Denham said: "We struggle now with car parking and traffic hold-ups. Visitors can wait up to an hour to get down from Canford Cliffs. I think it could ruin the seaside image of this area."

Visitor Valerie Charlton said she couldn't understand why Sandbanks needed a new beach arena. "I have no problem with events that come here, do what they do, then leave. A permanent arena is not needed."

Richard Hough, from the New Forest, said: "No-one is going to build an arena like this and not expect any return for their money. It feels like an exclusive development, not something that will be good for everyone."