Sailing academy chiefs have reacted with dismay to legal moves by Portland Port to overturn planning permission for the prestigious centre.

Portland Port has applied for a judicial review of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's decision to back plans to develop the academy at the former Royal Naval Air Station.

The council recently gave the academy permission to continue using part of the site for another two years.

The port's legal challenge follows a council decision to reject its plan to increase the amount of fuel stored at the Mere Tank Farm. The Health and Safety Executive said it was unsafe so close to the academy.

Bill Ludlow, chairman of Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy, said: "The council's planning committee agreed unanimously to grant our planning application, so we are disappointed that a judicial review could delay our development.

"It seems to be a difficulty with the decision of the Health and Safety Executive regarding the use of tanks at the Mere Tank Farm."

He added: "There is no other suitable site in Weymouth and Portland for a sailing academy."

The South West Regional Development Agency has been involved in the rebirth of the former air station - now known as Osprey Quay - as a centre for industry and leisure.

Agency spokesman Mike Emsley said Osprey Quay is attracting interest from all over the world.

He said: "The RDA was expecting Portland Port to apply for a judicial review, but it is frustrating. We will just have to see how it progresses and hope the process doesn't take too long.

"There has been a great deal of interest shown in Osprey Quay and the sailing academy both nationally and internationally. We remain optimistic about the project."

He added: "We have to try to move forward with as many aspects as we can while this is going on. A sailmaker employing five people is moving to Osprey Quay at the end of this month. They are looking to expand the business and will service the academy."

John Derbyshire, racing manager of the Royal Yachting Association, said: "There is a great window of opportunity to develop a Weymouth and Portland sailing academy and it would be very unfortunate if anything was to delay that."