FRUSTRATIONS boiled over at a residents meeting to discuss the divisive plans for the former police station site in Christchurch. More than 200 people packed into Christchurch Baptist Church to quiz representatives from housing association Aster Group about their proposals for the site.

Officers from Christchurch Borough Council's planning department were also on hand to field questions about the planning process and factors that are considered in determining an application.

The Christchurch Citizens Association meeting saw concerned residents turn out in large numbers to vent their views on the initial plans for the town centre location.

The early stage proposals were unveiled at a public consultation event last month.

Aster Group's vision for the site, which includes the former police station Magistrates' Court buildings, the Pit Site and Bargates car parks, and private gardens from properties on Barrack Road, feature 106 new homes, retail units and 54 retirement flats.

Sue Bungey, chair of Christchurch Citizens Association, said she was grateful to Aster Group for their attendance.

"It was worthwhile having the meeting," she said.

"However, because of the level of passion and understandable concern people have it did develop into quite a volatile meeting.

"The questions were not all answered satisfactorily by Aster Group and that did not help the situation.

"The loss of the Pit Site is terrible and businesses in Bargates have real concerns. Traffic in this area of the town is going to be even worse."

Christchurch Citizens Association is in the process of writing to various authorities involved in the statutory consultation for planning applications to clarify their current assessment on a number of issues, including traffic congestion and air pollution levels.

Town centre councillor Peter Hall, who was one of several council members at the heated meeting, said he was unable to comment on the proposals due to his position on the planning committee.

Aster Group is still in the midst of a consultation process, which is set to continue for some time before a formal planning application is submitted to the council.

It is understood Aster Group did not actively pursue including the Pit Site car park in the scheme, but were pushed into acquiring it by Christchurch Borough Council.

The loss of the car parking spaces in the two car parks involved in the development remains a major concern for residents.

Meanwhile, households in Twynham Avenue are growing increasingly fearful about the prospect of established woodlands in private gardens being flattened in the scheme.