Construction of Europe’s first artificial surf reef in Boscombe is set to be given the go ahead, after the council reached an agreement with local fishing representatives.

The proposed surf project would create a 120m manmade reef at Boscombe, near Bournemouth, in a bid to double the number of good wave days per annum available to surfers.

Lengthy discussions between Bournemouth Borough Council and the Marine and Fisheries Agency, including local fishermen, has resulted in an agreement in principal for the scheme.

The council will now formally respond to DEFRA, which is overseeing the process of issuing the licence for the construction of the surf reef.

Once the council receives the licence, it will be able to start construction work on the project.

Roger Brown, head of leisure services at the council, said: “This is a significant step forward in the licence process and we anticipate starting construction in spring 2008.

“Weather conditions permitting, this will result in the surf reef and land-based retail, catering, and surf-instruction facilities being completed in summer 2008 to make Bournemouth one of the prime surfing destinations in the UK.”

Richard Stride, chair of the South Coast Fishermen’s Council, added: “The continuing liaison between the Council and fishermen is quite positive and our concerns have, in principle, been addressed.”