THE swim-school operator behind plans for an indoor pool at a Chickerell holiday site has moved to dispel fears from neighbours about noise from the venture.

Angela Cole, who runs Splash Together, says having a free-standing pool inside an industrial unit at The Old Slaughterhouse. Green Lane, Chickerell, is unlikely to cause a disturbance.

In a letter to Dorset Council, which is considering a planning application for the project, she says : “The pool will be above ground so all work will be carried internally, with no large machinery required and no waste products to be removed. It is intended to keep everything as environmetal friendly as possible. A plant room of course will be required for the pool, but this has been sited at the furthest point from any housing and the amount of noise from this is negligible. With regard to the opening times the earliest class is likely to start at 0900 and the last class would finish at 2030 with 30 mins for people to leave the building and there will not be a large amount of people per class.

“I think that an industrial unit would create more noise and possibly operate longer hours, with machinery and compressor being used… I hope this facility can be an asset to the community, providing much needed services and accessible to as many people as possible, thus providing employment within the local area.”

Neighbours had said they were concerned about possible disturbance from the pool which could operate 0800-2100 Monday to Saturday and 0900 to 1800 on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Local councillor John Worth has told the council: “My only comments on this planning application is regarding the opening hours and the potential for excess noise from users entering and leaving as late as 9pm Monday to Saturday I question if it is necessary to stay open this late and maybe an hour less would be more appropriate.”

More than 20 people have written to the council about the application, the majority offering support.

A decision is expected to be made under delegated powers by a Dorset Council planning officer.