MERLEY residents will be protesting against a proposed development of 650 homes today.

A demonstration, called Holding Hands to Save the Land, has been organised by the action group Save Land North of Merley and takes place outside the entrance to Canford School at midday.

Richborough Estates submitted an environmental report to Poole council outlining its intention to request permission for the 90-acre development. Under plans submitted to the council, the land, south of the River Stour, could house a “new neighbourhood” of 650 homes plus a 60-bed care home and park areas.

Save Land North of Merley says the proposed development would add “tremendous pressure on local amenities and services and will destroy green belt land that was formerly part of the historic Canford Estate”.