A HIGH demand for people wishing to attend the public inquiry into the Sandbanks Ferry has meant the venue has been changed. 

It has now been confirmed the inquiry into the proposed price increases will now take place at the Poole Harbour Commissioners’ north lounge rather than Studland Village Hall. 

And the date has changed from Tuesday, December 10 to 10am on Tuesday, January 21. 

The new venue, in New Harbour Road South, Poole, was chosen by the ferry company to host the inquiry. 

Over six days, planning inspector Frances Mahoney will hear evidence from ferry bosses and other interested parties, including Dorset Council.  

The facility was chosen after an extensive search across Poole and Purbeck, based upon availability, size, accessibility and suitability for the purposes of the inquiry. 

There will also be an evening session held on Wednesday, January 22 at 6.30pm in the Springfield Country Hotel in Wareham. 

The public inquiry and evening session will be live streamed via YouTube and made available for subsequent viewing. 

Potential new price rises could see pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, who have paid £1 since 2009 to cross, paying £1.75.   

Cars or light vans less than 3.5 tonnes, previously paying £5.30, may have to fork out an extra 96p to pay £6.26, or an 18 per cent increase.   

Passenger vehicles such as coaches and HGVs more than 3.5 tonnes could also see an 18 per cent increase from £10.60 to £12.52. 

But the proposals have seen furious backlash from residents and councils, who argue prices are becoming too expensive. 

New accounts submitted to Companies House show a turnover for the ferry of £3,314,355 in 2023/24 compared to £2,400,575 the previous financial year.   

Profits for the 2023/24 financial year are also up, recorded at £906,141 compared to a pre-tax loss of £721,149 the previous year.