AROUND 200 concerned residents have packed out a tense evening session of the ongoing Talbot Heath inquiry.

This three-week public hearing, set to conclude next Thursday, could determine whether approved plans for a sprawling housing development on the Bournemouth/Poole border are felled at the final fence.

Talbot Village Trust, that has already received Borough of Poole backing, wants to build 378 homes and 450 student units on the site.

Wednesday evening’s session allowed representations from local resident associations to be heard.

However, planning inspector Wendy Burden was forced to warn the audience, on more than one occasion, to maintain its decorum after spectators openly cheered and applauded speakers – in contravention of strict public inquiry regulations.

Local resident spokesman and Talbot Heath activist Veronica Trevett, detailed a range of concerns.

These included fire safety, the loss of public amenities, noise pollution and increased crime and anti-social behaviour.

She told the inquiry that planned pathways appeared to create tracks which “local yobbos” would use as a racetrack or a shortcut across the heath.

Part of the proposal is to create academic space and new student housing at neighbouring Bournemouth University.

Mrs Trevett said: “Dorset Police already allocates two police officers to Bournemouth University, so what will be the effect of increasing 54 into 504 student units?

“The case officer states that the development does not harm the residential amenities of people living nearby through overlooking, loss of privacy and noise and disturbance – residents disagree strongly.”

Talbot Village Trust trustee James Gibson Fleming told the Daily Echo: “It is a shame that some residents don’t recognise the huge benefits that the scheme will bring to the locality.

“Not only much-needed affordable housing but an increased area of heathland which will be properly managed and preserved with any profits from the development being ploughed back into the community to support the £800,000 annual donations given by the trust to local causes.”

Mrs Warner, of the Talbot and Branksome Wood Resident’s Association told the inquiry the cat-proof fence, which is part of the mitigation proposed by the trust, would effectively circle the estate.

She asked: “Are we really expecting householders to enjoy taking a stroll with their little children, or grandchildren, in the buffer strip imprisoned by this nearly three-metre high people proof fence?”