Major plans to build on Dorset farmland are REJECTED

Thousands of people who signed a petition against plans for a Nuffield Health hospital on Highmoor Farm, Talbot Village, will be celebrating this afternoon after councillors threw out the proposal. 

In a planning committee meeting, which lasted nearly four hours and was attended by scores of objectors, councillors went against recommendations and rejected the 11,600 sq m hospital and innovation quarter.

Dozens of residents stood outside the town hall and Civic Centre Annex before the meeting on Monday holding placards and chanting ‘save Highmoor Farm’. 

Nuffield's hospital plan (Image: Townshends/Kendall Kingscott/Nuffield Health)

Speaking during the meeting, both sides had their say on the application. 

Nick Dobbs, a naturalist, said the plans would have a "devastating impact on nature" which depends on fields at Highmoor Farm. 

“The applicant has boasted about extensive benefits, but their track record on the environment is abysmal,” he said. 

Chair of Talbot Village Residents’ Association Joanne Keeling said: "Residents already endure parking issues. 

“This is expected to bring in 1,100 extra vehicles a day and the village cannot cope with it.” 

Protesters are chanting “Save Highmoor Farm” outside the planning committee room ahead of a crucial day. Plans will be decided on a Nuffield Hospital and Innovation Quarter in Talbot Village today @Bournemouthecho pic.twitter.com/m5E6aWPdPw

— Matt Simpson (@MattSimpsonEcho) October 2, 2023

Applicant Nick Ashley Cooper, chair of Talbot Village Trust, said the Innovation Quarter is a "truly unique opportunity". 

He said: "We are a team of volunteers and we believe passionately about the positive impact this will have on the region. 

"We are the biggest grant givers in the region and we support many vulnerable people in the area." 

He spoke said the proposal would bring opportunities in the digital world creating employment and economic benefits. 

David McNair, hospital director, Nuffield Health Bournemouth, added: "Our health care system in BCP is in crisis. 

"Since 2020, the health care services have been under intense pressure and the current hospital does not have the capacity to cater for the residents." 

The application was rejected with eight against the plans and four in favour.

Councillors cited worries the development would bring too many people to the protected heathland, overprovision of car parking and that the development doesn’t protect the green infrastructure.

Speaking after the meeting, Joanne Keeling said: “Thankfully, common sense has prevailed; 1,153 extra vehicles per day [were' expected through a village with all the existing traffic issues on a really busy Wallisdown Road. 

“Hopefully, this will ensure the safety of all the pedestrians and highway users and also for all the residents who will be the ones who would suffer throughout this development. 

“We can now keep our green space that we all love and cherish.” 

Campaigner Nick Dobbs hailed the moment, saying “democracy has served”, adding: “You can see the amount of support we have had against this particular planning application.”  

Cllr Matthew Gillett, ward councillor for Talbot and Branksome Woods and campaigner against the plans, said: “I am very pleased that the planning committee has taken on board the number of points that we spoke about concerning the impact of the heath.” 

Applicants Mr McNair and Mr Ashley-Cooper said in a joint statement: “We are naturally disappointed at the decision made on our proposed planning application for a new Nuffield Health hospital and Innovation Quarter.  

“We are currently reviewing our options and carefully considering our next steps.”