Dorset to get mini version of Dubai's Palm Islands?
Dorset could get its own version of Dubai's Palm Islands after a property tycoon put forward proposals for a new project in exclusive Sandbanks.
Millionaire Eddie Mitchell plans to transform the Sandbanks peninsula in Poole and add a 33-storey 'sports tower' for abseiling, bungee jumping and rock climbing, a seven-star hotel shaped like a seagull, a large marina and an open air swimming pool and theatre, the Daily Express reports.
Former Bournemouth AFC chairman Mitchell, 54, also plans to incorporate a vital coastal-defence system.
He said: "It's more than just a dream – I have invested a lot of time and money already and it's something I'm very keen to see happen.
"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.
"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."
Borough of Poole planning and regeneration manager Richard Genge told Bournemouth Echo: "This is the first time we have seen images of Mr Mitchell's vision.
"The council has not received a planning application and as such we are unable to comment on these proposals."
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