Private hospital plans in Poole spark objections from residents

The major plans for the 11,606 square metre hospital in Talbot Village, between the  town’s universities and Talbot Heath, have been lodged by Nuffield Health.

The application forms part of Talbot Village Trust’s plans for an ‘Innovation Quarter’ on the land at Highmoor Farm. 

The so-called 'Innovation Quarter' would be a development dedicated to the creative and digital industries.

Read more: Nuffield Health submits plans to build new Talbot Village hospital

But, as described by the Daily Echo when the plans were submitted, the scheme has proved controversial for some residents, with more than 3,600 people signing a petition against the hospital. 

Now, dozens of comments have been sent to the council in response, with many against the plans.

One resident said: "This abomination is swallowing up the remaining fragments of wildlife rich land.

"The increased human activity will have an extremely negative impact on the neighboring heath too. Build it somewhere else."

Another wrote:"The destruction of this beautiful heathland cannot be allowed to happen, resulting in the loss of habitat for numerous bird, animal and insect species.

"Increased traffic and congestion on an already overloaded Wallisdown Road, this simply does not makes sense."

One resident said: "I feel it is completely inappropriate because it would result in a serious loss of much needed and appreciated green space and would cause an unacceptable increase in both traffic volumes and atmospheric pollution.

"A development of this nature should be carried out on a brownfield site, of which there are several within a reasonable distance.

"Talbot Village Trust seem determined to be rid of the farm, which is a much loved feature of the area, providing support for wildlife, and can rightly be described as a community asset.

"The retention of the farm would obviate the need for a heathland support area. The present character of the village is of a reasonable combination of academic buildings and residential properties which would suffer seriously were this application to be approved."

Read more: Nuffield Health hospital plan on Talbot Village Trust land

And one other person said: "The heathland is precious both to the wildlife living there and to the mental health of the people who use it.

"Once built on we can never get back this wonderful greenspace, whereas a hospital can be built on a brownfield site."

More than 1,300 jobs could be created if the permission is granted and studies suggest that the development could create a boost to the local economy in the region of £97million gross value added (GVA) per annum.

Nick Ashley Cooper, chairman of Talbot Village Trust, said: "The Innovation Quarter is a once in a generation opportunity to create a positive transformational impact for BCP and the region.

“The aim is to support the two Universities and provide improved prospects for young people and families to live, work and contribute to the BCP area. The proposals, developed in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, are aligned with BCP Council and Dorset LEP’s economic strategy.”