Residents turned out in their hundreds for a public exhibition setting out a bold new vision for the Talbot Village area of Poole.
Nearly 350 people attended the event as part of a Borough of Poole consultation about proposals in its draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for the area.
The blueprint will direct the future of development in the area of Talbot Village which falls within the council’s boundaries, including Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth.
Proposals include protection for the Talbot Heath wildlife haven, new university buildings, transport enhancements and a digital employment village for cutting-edge businesses.
Council planning officers answered questions and explained the proposals at the public exhibition. Residents were invited to fill in feedback forms and give their views in a survey.
Cllr Ian Potter, Cabinet Member for Planning, Transportation and Regeneration at Borough of Poole, said: “It is encouraging that so many people came along to have their say and help shape the future of this vitally important area.
“We will now analyse and consider the feedback before taking the final draft of the SPD to our Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee later this year.
“Our thanks to all who took the time and trouble to attend the public exhibition. People still have the opportunity to make comments before the consultation ends on September 21 on our website or by writing to the council.”
The SPD is the first phase of a new Talbot Project bringing together major landowners and councils in the wider Talbot Village area for the first time for a co-ordinated approach to future development.
Partners in the Talbot Project are Talbot Village Trust, Bournemouth University, Arts University Bournemouth, Borough of Poole and Bournemouth Borough Council.
The aim is to realise the economic potential of the Talbot Village area, enhance the excellence of the universities, protect the internationally important wildlife haven of Talbot Heath and improve transport infrastructure whilst respecting the amenity of neighbouring residential areas.
The consultation period for the SPD began on Monday August 10 and closes for comments on September 21.
There are no details of specific buildings or costs at this stage as individual detailed planning applications will be submitted by individual landowners for various elements at later dates.
