CONTROVERSIAL plans for 324 homes on land near Canford Park Arena have been given the go-ahead by Poole planners.

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 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.

Borough of Poole's planning committee voted to grant planning permission for the scheme, despite concerns about highways and pressure on local services.

The RSPB also objected to the proposals, citing the likelihood of harm to protected species - including Nightjars - as one of their reasons why.

There was also some confusion about granting this application when the site already has planning permission for employment use.

Cllr Marion Le Poidevin asked whether one development would take precedence, or if it was just a "race to the finish to see who gets there first".

And Cllr David Brown, ward member for Merley and Bearwood, said it was not a case of "if something gets built on the site, but what".

He added: "A decent mixed use housing development is much preferable to it becoming an industrial estate."

But he did have concerns about pressures on local services, such as Bearwood Medical Centre which has stopped taking on any new patients.

"If this scheme goes ahead the developers would be putting forward a six-figure sum to contribute to local facilities, which could include a new doctors surgery."

Chairman of the planning committee Cllr Andy Garner-Watts said the development would provide "much-needed housing for Poole" - 40 per cent of which would be affordable.

"All the things we want to see in this new development are pretty much there. I am pleased to support this."

The development has been met with some controversy over its plans to build a SANG on the site of Canford Magna golf course which closed last year.

It would see part of the private golf course turned into 'country park'.

Stuart Goodwill, head of planning at Barratt David Wilson Southampton, said: "We are delighted that the planning committee recognised the benefits of our proposals and resolved to approve the application.

“The proposals will deliver a healthy contribution of new housing for Poole and members noted the positive impact that would be provided through 130 new affordable homes.

The development will also provide over 20 hectares of public open space, including a vital link to a proposed country park to the north of Magna Road.

“Barratt David Wilson has a national reputation for delivering quality affordable homes and we are keen to start building great new homes in Poole at the earliest opportunity.”