Bournemouth Borough Council has finally got the green light for Europe’s first artificial surf reef at Boscombe.

A special environment licence to begin construction of the project has been granted by the Marine and Fisheries Agency (MFA).

MFA chief executive, Nigel Gooding, said: “We are delighted to be able to issue a licence under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985.

“A number of complex issues to ensure the protection of the marine environment had to be considered. The MFA had to take into account the potential impact of the reef on local fishermen and any possible danger to navigation. All the issues have been resolved.”

The project includes beach huts for surfers and holiday makers designed by Wayne and Gerardine Hemingway MBE, a surf-themed retail outlet, a surfing academy and a glass-fronted restaurant offering panoramic views of Bournemouth and the Solent.

There will also be a catering outlet, changing rooms, toilets and hot showers.

Work on site is due to kick off in spring 2008, with completion expected by October.

Roger Brown, head of leisure services at the council, said: “Bournemouth and Poole have an excellent reputation as a leading watersports destinations; however, the reef will put Boscombe firmly on the surfing map.

“Weather conditions permitting, we anticipate to complete the reef by Autumn 2008 and this will result in the surf reef and land-based retail, catering, and surf-instruction facilities being completed together.”