London - They might be playgrounds to the rich and famous – but Dorset and Dubai are worlds apart.
That could all be about to change, however, after a millionaire property developer unveiled plans to bring a touch of the Middle East to the West Country.
The ambitious project would see the Sandbanks peninsula in Poole transformed into an ultra-modern holiday destination, not dissimilar to Dubai’s Palm developments.
These man-made outcrops, shaped like palm trees, are home to luxurious hotels and multi-million pound villas.
Sandbanks, the most expensive place to live in the UK outside London, already has its fair share of impressive beach-side properties.
But under the plans, it would gain a 33-storey “sports tower” for abseiling, bungee jumping and rock climbing, a seven-star hotel shaped like a seagull, a larger marina, open-air swimming pool and theatre.
It would all be protected by arching sea defences which resemble the “branches” of the offshore palms in the United Arab Emirates.
The man behind the plans, Eddie Mitchell, a former chairman of AFC Bournemouth, says the structure will also protect swathes of Sandbanks from devastating flooding. There have been warnings that the 0.5 square mile peninsula, which sits just 3ft above sea level at its lowest point, could be threatened by rising sea levels within the next 20 years.
As a precaution all new-build properties are now built 12ft above sea level, and studies are examining the need for further sea defences.
But Mr Mitchell, 59, who has built more than 100 homes in and around Sandbanks over the last 40 years, said money needs to be invested now.
He said: “Some of the current sea defences date back 100 years or more and they need updating if we are to prevent Sandbanks from being cut off.It’s a big project but I’d love it to happen within the next 20 years or even sooner. Sea levels are rising and if we act now it will save us money in the long term.”
But the proposals are far from becoming a reality.
Richard Genge, Poole council’s planning manager, said: “This is the first time we have seen images of Mr Mitchell’s vision.
“We have not received a planning application and as such we are unable to comment on these proposals.” - Daily Mail