A DEVELOPER has put forward plans to create a new country park near the River Stour.

The plans for the Canford Meadow SANG (suitable alternative green space) would see 45 hectares of agricultural land for new walking routes in the rural area of Dorset.

W H White, the developer behind plans for an inland surf lagoon near Avon Heath Country Park, has submitted the change of use plan for land adjacent to Stour Valley Way in Knighton Lane, Wimborne.

The proposal, which relates to opening up “hitherto private land” for public access, is currently being considered by BCP Council’s planning department.

The application follows on from the nearby Riverside SANG, phase one of which is fully operational and phase two is being released alongside a nearby Taylor Wimpey housing development.

There is also a third phase to extend the Riverside SANG to a total of 44 hectares.

Read more: Country park on golf course IS progressing (despite potential funding hiccup)

A planning, design and access statement on behalf of the applicant by Chapman Lily Planning said the Riverside and Meadow SANGs would be connected through the Stour Valley Way.

“The proposed Meadow SANG will afford local residents and visitors access and a wider range of walks, seminatural spaces to explore and space for dogs to exercise across a further 42 hectares,” the statement said.

“It will link to the Canford Riverside SANG via the Stour Valley Way, so presents a combined offer but also one that exhibits different characteristics shaped in many ways by their legacy uses – the former a golf course and the latter agricultural.

“The Meadow SANG feels less manicured and more remote, which is likely to appeal to a segment of residents and visitors that might otherwise utilise Canford Heath or other heathland sites.”

Car parking for the proposed SANG would be provided by the established car parking for the existing SANG.

The car parking serving the former nine hole golf course will be repurposed to provide more spaces.

SANGS are created with the specific purpose of reducing recreational pressures on areas which have internationally recognised ecological value, such as the Dorset Heathlands, which are designated as a special protection area and special areas of conservation.

The statement added: “Notwithstanding the clear benefits to the existing community, SANG provision will also facilitate future residential development, regardless of where such development comes forward in BCP.

“SANGs must be delivered ahead of the occupation of new dwellings (the point at which additional recreational pressures arise), however planning permission can be granted in anticipation of future needs and unconnected to a specific development.”