A 10-DAY public inquiry due to take place in July into the controversial Talbot Heath development will cost Borough of Poole more than £100,000.

The cash-strapped council, which is making redundancies, axing services and raising charges to balance the books, will have to find the funds.

This massive planning application by Talbot Village Trust for 378 homes and 450 student units on farmland bordering Poole and Bournemouth was approved by Poole planners last June and now the council has to defend its decision.

“The proposal would secure over £9 million worth of funds for the local area and 130 affordable homes,” said Richard Genge, planning and regeneration manager, Borough of Poole.

“While the local planning authority had resolved to approve the scheme, this decision was called in and the scheme is now subject to a public inquiry which could cost the authority in excess of £100,000.”

Opponents include Natural England, the RSPB, Bournemouth Council and MP Conor Burns, who appealed for the application by Talbot Village Trust to be called in by the Secretary of State.

Last September Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles announced that the application raised issues of more than local importance, which should be subject to a public inquiry.

He ruled the proposals “may conflict with national policies on important matters” and in particular had concerns about the effect on the heath and wildlife.

Residents and Bournemouth Council also raised issues about traffic congestion in an already busy Wallisdown.

Poole’s planning committee believed mitigation, including a cat-proof fence and heathland improvements, was enough to overcome objections to the development.

A planning inspector will now decide the issue after an inquiry due to take place at the Hamworthy Recreation Club, Magna Road from July 12, with a pre-inquiry meeting on March 16 at 11am at the same venue.

Anyone wishing to make a representation should contact the Planning Inspect orate on 0117 372 8577 or leanne.palmer@pins.gsi.gov.uk