PUBLIC meetings and events will be held over the plans to build a new junction and link road from the A338 to Wessex Fields.

As part of the planning application recently submitted to Bournemouth Borough Council, a series of exhibitions will be held from the end of this month.

If approved, the council says the plans will "unlock available employment land at Wessex Fields, whilst making the most of the natural environment around it."

And they say the new link road and junction will "enable Wessex Fields to reach its full economic potential by making the area an attractive location for businesses looking to relocate to the region."

The Wessex Fields junction proposal, intended to reduce traffic congestion, has sparked a campaign in opposition with some residents, and Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood, expressing concern about the loss of green belt land and a listed cob barn.

Some have also expressed fears it will lead to a greater volume of traffic and therefore to increased air pollution.

But the applicants, Bournemouth Borough Council, alongside Dorset County Council and Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, say the development will create around 2,000 jobs, safeguard 10,000 jobs, including 4,000 at Royal Bournemouth Hospital, and provide a second access to the hospital.

It will also improve traffic flows at Cooper Dean Roundabout, Chaseside Junction, and parts of Castle Lane East, and encourage sustainable travel, they say.

As well as the public events, people can respond to the application online until the end of February.

The exhibitions will take place on Monday January 29, 10am-4pm at Bournemouth Town Hall, Wednesday January 31 from 2pm until 8pm at the Littledown Centre, Wednesday February 7 from 2pm until 6pm at Holdenhurst Village Hall and Monday February 12 from 2pm until 6pm at Hurn Sports and Social Club.

A decision on the plans is likely to be made in spring.