The Site

The proposed site is currently unviable marginal grazing land at Highmoor Farm which, following extensive statutory public consultation, is formally allocated for development in the Poole Local Plan 2018 at Policy PP21 and the adopted Supplementary Policy Document for Talbot Village (2015).

It is important to differentiate between Talbot Heath and the proposed site. The Highmoor Farm site is 62 acres (25 ha) of land situated to the north of the heathland. The site is not heathland and has no environmental designations.

It is not large enough to operate as a viable farm, and its operation is only possible due to the Charity’s financial and practical support. The family operating the site do not rely on the site for their livelihood.

Of the 62 acre site, almost half of the site, 30 acres (12 ha), is proposed as a Heathland Support Area, to improve the biodiversity of the entire site and protect the adjacent Talbot Heath.

In line with the site allocation in the Poole Local Plan 2018, a further 24 acres will provide the once in a generation opportunity for the Innovation Quarter and new Nuffield Health Hospital, as well as a growing hub to the east of the Innovation Quarter. Land to the north of the proposed Innovation Quarter is identified for expansion of the Universities and will be subject to a separate process and planning application.

Location and context plan