EXCITING plans for a multi-million-pound water sports centre and nature area in East Dorset are pushing ahead after a planning inspector ruled the complex would not create a traffic hazard.

Local residents and East Dorset District Council expressed road safety fears about the project at Longham Lakes, near Ferndown.

But, following a public inquiry, inspector Anthony Dixon has given the green light to the plan by Bourne-mouth and West Hampshire Water Company.

The firm is currently constructing three huge storage reservoirs on the green belt site next to the River Stour. Work on those is due to be completed by 2010.

The recreational facilities, which will include angling, windsurfing and canoe training as well as lakeside walks, training room and car parking for 50 cars are set to be open to the public by 2003.

A new access road would be created from Ringwood Road. The total cost of the whole project is put at about £9m.

Water company managing director Tony Cooke said he was delighted with the inspector's decision.

"From the early stages, our intention was that the site would be able to provide conservation, educational and quiet, recreational use for the local community.

"The planning inspector confirmed that the scheme was not in conflict with the planning guidelines on which the local council refused the application in the first place."

Mr Cooke added: "It's not going to be a Moors Valley Country Park. It's going to be a conservation area with some quiet pursuits on it. We hope it will be a valuable asset to the local community."

Local councillor Sally Elliott said she was disappointed at the outcome.

"The access is going to be very close to a double bend on a busy main road and there's bound to be more traffic going in and out," she said.

In his report, Mr Dixon said: "The proposed access is suitable for the intended recreational development and would not result in significant highway danger or inconvenience."