PLANS for West Bay's multi-million pound facelift are finally going on public display.

Detailed drawings of the proposed regeneration scheme will be unveiled by the district council on Monday, launching the long awaited next round of public consultation.

Award-winning architect MJ Long, who residents helped select for the project, has prepared the designs for the proposed improvement scheme.

This includes a new building on the Mound with harbourmaster and coastguard facilities plus a restaurant, shop and public toilets. A visitor arrival centre including toilets in West Bay Road car park is also proposed.

These drawings, together with plans for improvements to the road layout and landscaping in the Fishermans Green and central area, will be displayed at the Salt House from next Monday to Friday (May 16 - 20) from 9am to 5pm.

Meetings will also be held with local councillors, West Bay Steering Group and special interest groups.

Council chiefs say the results of the consultation will be taken into account when deciding whether to submit the proposals for planning permission.

If the planning application goes ahead, the public will also have the opportunity to comment on it as part of the process.

West Dorset District Council Leader Robert Gould said: "There has been a huge amount of interest in this scheme and we're very grateful to all the people who have helped us with their ideas and views during past consultation.

"The current plans are based on this feedback and discussions held with local interest groups. A great deal of care has been taken preparing the scheme to ensure its feasibility and affordability and the drawings are now ready and I hope everyone will take the opportunity to see them and let us have their comments."

If the planning application is submitted and approval given, construction could start by the end of the year.

Meanwhile the district council is helping the push for water sports facilities including an angling jetty by paying for experts appointed by Bridport Town Council to find external funding for the project.

The district council previously paid £45,000 for a base for the proposed jetty on the west side of the Jurassic Pier.

News that the West Bay regeneration scheme is set to go on show with a promise of full public consultation has been welcomed by Bridport town council planning committee chairman Carole Murless.

She said that the project had been "on the back burner long enough".

She added: "I am delighted about this. Everyone in the area has been putting forward ideas and it needs to come together now. They need to listen to what people who live in the area are saying."