PLANS for 324 homes on land near Canford Park Arena will be decided by Poole planners today.

The application, submitted by Barratt David Wilson Homes Ltd, details proposals for 249 houses and 75 flats - along with associated public open space - at land south of Magna Road, Bearwood.

The proposal, to be heard by Borough of Poole (BOP) planning committee members, also includes details on the change of use for land north of Magna Road. Developers want this land reclassified as a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG), so it can be used as recreational space.

However, Natural England and the RSPB both object to the SANG proposals, citing the likelihood of harm to protected species - including Nightjars - as one of their reasons why.

A report to committee members from planning officer James Gilfillan recommends granting approval for the plans.

Some neighbours have complained about possible extra traffic generated by the development. But the site has been included in the draft Poole Local Plan, which sets out the council's preferred development areas up until 2033.

This wider local plan has already been agreed by full council and is set for public consultation later this summer.

Stuart Goodwill, head of planning at Barratt David Wilson Southampton, said: "There is a mounting challenge to meeting the need for housing, not just in Poole but across the UK.

"We have a national reputation for delivering high quality affordable homes and are keen to start building great new homes in Poole at the earliest opportunity."

A recommendation in the report to committee members is to also secure a £107,520 contribution from developers to put towards providing access, monitoring and management of nearby heathlands.