A 10-day public hearing which will pit heathland and habitat against housing and education, is due to start on Tuesday.

The issues behind the controversial Talbot Heath development are to be fought over again in front of a planning inspector.

Borough of Poole’s approval for Talbot Village Trust’s massive planning application for 378 homes and 450 student units on farm and heathland bordering Poole and Bournemouth is being challenged.

Called in by Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles, the issues it raises will be heard by planning inspector Wendy Burden, who will make her recommendation to the minister.

The main objectors are Natural England, the RSPB and Bournemouth Borough Council, with representations also being made by Talbot Village Residents’ Association and Talbot and Branksome Woods Residents’ Association.

Residents presented a 1,214 strong petition, and Bournemouth Council also raised issues about traffic congestion.

The development on land south of Wallisdown Road, also includes 3,500 sq metres of academic floorspace and has the support of Bournemouth University and the Arts University College.

Borough of Poole will be defending its decision, saying it will secure £9m worth of funds for the local area and 130 affordable homes.

The public inquiry opens on Tuesday at 10am at the Hamworthy Recreation Club, Magna Road, Canford Magna and is due to sit on weekdays, excluding Mondays, until July 28, with an evening session on July 20 from 6pm to 8.30pm for residents.