Protest Against Heathland Homes

13 February 2010, 08:27 | Updated: 13 February 2010, 08:30

A protest is being held today against plans for 800 new homes - including student flats - on Talbot Heath in Poole.

People living nearby say the land should be protected because of the rare wildlife there, and that the area is popular with families and dog walkers.

Veronica Trevitt is leading todays protest at the car park in Mayford Road at 10am. She told Heart:

"It is a unique area because you have wet and dry heathland, a stream running through and meadows either side. We just feel if this development goes ahead it will open the gates for other things to happen, like roads being built across the heath."

The Talbot Village Trust, which own the land say 40% of the proposed residential units will be affordable.

In a statement, they said: "The development will include the provision of a significant amount of affordable housing meeting pressing local needs and will also result in the substantial restoration and improvement of the heathland to the tune of over £1 million as well as creating 26 acres of new heath.

"There will also be 13 acres of new public open space created around the development site and land will also be made available to the university and arts institute for their own use.

"Bus transport provision and a five year bus subsidy is also included in the application."

Poole council say they will consider everyone's views before making a decision.