The planning meeting to decide if Poole Town can build a £1 million stadium at Branksome Rec has been confirmed as 10.30am on December 2 at the port.

Branksome residents had argued that the venue was four miles away across town, the 9.30am start was inconvenient and the place inaccessible.

Stephen Thorne, Borough of Poole’s head of planning and regeneration, said they had “bent over backwards” to find an alternative, for what is expected to be a long meeting which could attract more than 200 residents.

“I fully accept that it may not be the most convenient but it is the only venue that is fit for purpose,” he said.

Heatherlands School, Rossmore College, Rossmore Leisure Centre, Poole College, the University, Poole Grammar School, the RNLI and Lighthouse had all been considered but were unavailable or unsuitable, he said.

But a compromise has been made over the timing with the planning committee now due to start at 10.30am at the North Lounge at the ferry terminal.

It cannot be held later in the afternoon as the lounge is needed for passengers embarking on the Barfleur ferry.

A letter setting out the reasoning behind the decision is being sent out to all those who have expressed concerns.