DOZENS of people packed the latest public drop-in session to highlight plans for a large housing and business development on green belt land north of Poole.

The meeting, at The Spire, High Street, Poole, gave residents the chance to look at artists’ impressions of the Canford Park site and speak to the planners involved.

Presently, no official planning application has been lodged with the Borough of Poole, but proposals for the development - opposite Canford Park Arena - include around 2,500 new homes and a 100,000sqm business park.

Yesterday’s drop-in session was just one of a series being held across the borough by planning consultants Chapman Lily Planning Limited. Brett Spiller, of Chapman Lily, said: “This is an important scheme which will impact the whole borough, hence why we decided to host consultation events in all corners of Poole.

“We hope that residents from across the town will wish to learn more about what we are potentially planning for the future of Poole.”

If agreed, the development would also include a local centre with shops, services and community projects, a new primary school and playing fields. A new 89-hectare open space and parkland site is also outlined in the proposals.

Poole resident Thomas Morley said: “I think the plans look good. I’m a bit worried about overdevelopment within Poole, so this could be one way to go.”

Meanwhile, another resident added: “I’m not sure who sets these housing numbers, but this is green belt - and there is a reason it is green belt, to stop urban sprawl.”

Under government guidelines Poole needs to build an additional 5,000 new homes by 2033, to meet growing housing need. While the town’s current Core Strategy already sets out the borough’s approach to ensuring 10,000 homes are built by 2026 - of the 14,200 new homes needed by 2033, just 9,200 are able to be developed on existing sites.

Another consultation meeting is scheduled for today, at Canford Cliffs Village Hall, 3-8pm.

Visit canfordpark.co.uk for information on future drop-in sessions.