SCORES of anxious residents packed a public exhibition, yesterday, detailing controversial housing plans on a former toxic landfill site.

The land, off Kellaway Road and Verity Crescent, Canford Heath, Poole, is earmarked for 120 homes.

Many neighbours are fiercely opposed to the scheme, arguing it represents over-development, will add to traffic congestion and harm the natural environment.

Several development companies have targeted the brownfield site over the past 20 years, leading to a long succession of planning appeals and inquiries.

The latest developers, Miller Homes and Bellway Homes, held the exhibition at Canford Heath Library in a bid to allay fears and let residents voice their concerns.

These latest plans specify a mix of family homes and "the enhancement of shared surfaces to create a less car-dominated street environment, to provide a pedestrian-dominated environment and create a series of differing character areas, promoting a sense of local identity."

Environmental tests confirm the area, which was a quarry before being used as landfill while the sprawling Canford Heath Estate was built, is safe for homes.

Low levels of methane and asbestos are present, but tests show soil contamination and the risk of asbestos fibres being released is low.

A Bellway Homes/ Miller Homes spokesman said: "The majority of the 8.75-hectare site would be managed for public access and nature conservation.

"Access through the site would also be provided, with new footpaths and links to existing open spaces and to Tower Park.

"The proposed long-term management would protect the nature conservation interests of the site, parts of which are important areas for reptiles and other species."

An official planning application is lodged with the Borough of Poole, and the scheme is likely to go before the planning board in the coming months.