A COMMUNITY group said it wants Sandbanks to have “world class” facilities to match the destination, as long as it was "done in the right way".

Sandbanks Community Group said it has a vision for Sandbanks to be safe and enjoyable for everyone who lives and visits in the area.

Previously accused of ‘opposing change’, the group said it wants the infrastructure to match its reputation.

It comes as two major schemes for the world-famous peninsula await a decision - one from Fortitudo for the replacement of the Sandbanks Hotel to include a new 171-bedroom hotel, replacement of the the Haven Hotel with three blocks of residential apartments and erection of a 38-suite “aparthotel” on the site of the Harbour Heights Hotel.

The other is for a a block of flats and restaurant on a prime harbourside plot that is currently used as a boat yard owned by the Sandbanks Yacht Company.

The group has raised objections to both applications.

David Morley, chairman of the group, said: “There is a shortage of good quality facilities, people come here to the beach in the summer, there’s very limited choice of where to stay, where to eat, where to get a drink.

“Done in the right way, fitting the character of the area, there’s definitely a need for an upgrade in the public realm and in the facilities offered.

“We have put quite a lot of submission to BCP Council’s seafront strategy with a very positive vision of Sandbanks being a place people love to visit, where people feel safe and enjoy living here and where you can bring together all of those elements in a way that’s good for everybody.”

Entrepreneur Luke David recently revealed plans for a Rockwater village in Sandbanks and Branksome.

With investment into the new proposed locations topping £8.7million, the new venues in Branksome and Sandbanks aim to regenerate the seafront and drive tourism footfall.

Mr Morley added: “Getting the infrastructure to world class standard is key, that’s the strap line, to match its international reputation.

“Nobody wants a glitzy place that’s only for wealthy people. That’s not Sandbanks. Some parts are very wealthy, but there are many parts that are enjoyed all year round by visitors and local people and have done for generation to generation.”

Matt Moffatt, also a member of the group, added: “It’s a first-class destination. We need to have the facilities and infrastructure so people can come down and enjoy it.

“Every summer we see people wondering round Sandbanks who have come down here from other parts of the country, looking confused and expecting it to be more of a holiday resort along the lines of Ibiza. The amount of media attention Sandbanks has - some of it is quite mythical.

“People say ‘where are all the bars’. There are also websites out there that list the best bars and restaurants in Sandbanks but they are located in Lilliput, Poole and other areas, not Sandbanks.

“We want it to be a destination for visitors to come to.”