THE owners of a Dorset holiday park could go back to the drawing board over plans to carry out a major redevelopment.

An application to demolish the existing Rockley Watersports Training Centre, cafe and sundry buildings was submitted by Rockley Sands (Estates) Limited.

The proposal for the site at Rockley Point included plans to build a new restaurant, training facilities and accommodation for watersports, 46 holiday units and 17 hardstanding bases for the siting of static caravans.

It also detailed work to the slipways, moorings and harbour, a new boardwalk and 123-space car park.

However, more than three years after submitting the plans to the council, Rockley Sands (Estates) Limited has withdrawn the application.

A letter by planning and development consultants Lichfields to BCP Council's planning department said: "On behalf of our client, Rockley Sands (Estates) Limited, we confirm that we wish to withdraw the current planning application for the proposed redevelopment at Rockley Point (Ref: APP/18/01470/F).

"The application has been subject to a lengthy process, having been originally submitted in November 2018.

"Our client requires more time to consider the options for redevelopment of this part of the site, including reviewing the extant permission.

"Rather than seek a further extension of time we consider it would be appropriate to withdraw the application and re-engage the council once we have established a preferred way forward."

The plans for Rockley Point had been backed by Bournemouth and Poole's tourism manager.

Amended proposals were submitted in August 2019, however, the application had not progressed since then.

A spokesperson for Haven, who own Rockley Park Holiday Park, told the Daily Echo: "Haven is continuing to review the options considering further development of its park at Rockley Point and will do this in more detail before submitting any further plans."