This Wednesday, a partial solar eclipse will be visible over Poole Harbour with more than 90% of the Sun covered at its peak just after 7pm. We have all the details on how to watch safely, and there is even a special harbour cruise going out for the occasion.

Also this week: 130 objections to controversial Constitution Hill housing plans, M&S Foodhall opens Wednesday, BBC Radio 4 live at Scaplen’s Court on Friday, a historic steamship on the Quay this weekend and Thursday night fireworks continuing throughout August. One of our best issues yet.

Dive in and enjoy!

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The proposed development of more than 100 homes on the former Bournemouth and Poole College site at Constitution Hill is proving controversial, with more than 130 objections from local residents now recorded against the planning application.

The application, submitted by BCP Council, proposes up to 115 homes, including 103 residential units across four blocks and 12 specialist homes, along with landscaping, associated infrastructure and a new pedestrian link to Ringwood Road.

When the plans were first submitted, the focus was on the council's plans to provide much-needed affordable housing on the long-vacant site. But the latest objections highlight concerns about whether the proposed development is simply too large for this particular location.

A detailed planning objection prepared by Planning Base Ltd on behalf of local residents argues that the site is being overdeveloped in terms of both the number of homes and the height, scale and massing of the proposed buildings. It points out that the surrounding area is predominantly made up of detached, two-storey homes on relatively spacious plots, while the proposals include buildings of up to five storeys.

The objection also raises concerns about the impact on neighbouring properties, including potential overlooking, loss of daylight and the buildings becoming an overbearing presence for residents of Felton Road and Jellicoe Close.

Traffic and infrastructure are another major concern, with residents arguing that the additional homes would put further pressure on the local road network, parking and existing services. The objection also highlights concerns about the loss of trees and vegetation, biodiversity and surface water flooding.

There are also questions about the mix of homes. The majority of the proposed properties are smaller flats, while the surrounding neighbourhood is largely made up of family homes. The planning objection argues that the scheme does not provide the balanced housing mix expected by local planning policy.

Interestingly, the objection does not argue that the former college site should remain empty. It acknowledges that there is an opportunity to redevelop the site and create something that benefits Poole and Parkstone, but argues that the current proposal would cause more harm than benefit.

The objection also points to the site's allocation in the Poole Local Plan for a minimum of 55 homes, arguing that doubling that figure would create a density more suited to a town centre than this suburban location.

It's worth noting that the public consultation has now closed. The planning portal currently states: "The consultation date has passed. Any comments made now may not be considered."

The application is now with BCP Council for consideration, with the council ultimately deciding whether planning permission should be granted.

So, while there is broad recognition that the former college site could provide an opportunity for new housing, the big question now is whether 115 homes is the right development for this particular part of Poole.

What makes Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole special? From Poole's maritime heritage and historic town centre to Bournemouth's Victorian past and Christchurch Priory, the area is packed with stories, buildings, landscapes and traditions that have shaped the place we call home.

Now BCP Council wants residents, businesses, community groups, heritage organisations and visitors to help shape the future of that heritage.

A public consultation on BCP's first Heritage Strategy is now open and runs until Sunday 6 September 2026.

The draft strategy sets out a vision to safeguard and celebrate the area's heritage for future generations, while also recognising the role heritage can play in supporting communities, wellbeing, learning, tourism and the local economy.

It covers a huge range of heritage, including historic buildings, parks, landscapes, museums, coastlines, conservation areas, cultural organisations and community projects.

Among the priorities are improving access to heritage for everyone, protecting historic and natural assets, supporting volunteering and skills, attracting investment and reducing the number of heritage assets considered to be at risk.

Cllr Andy Martin said: "Our heritage and culture is all around us. It tells the story of who we are, where we have come from and what makes Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole such special places to live, work and visit."

You can take part in the consultation online at haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/heritagestrategy. Paper copies are also available on request from BCP libraries.

If you've been following the plans for the future of Baiter Skatepark, there's still one final opportunity to have your say.

BCP Council and Maverick are holding their final consultation meeting this week as they prepare to finalise plans for the skatepark.

The meeting takes place on Thursday 13 August from 6pm to 7.30pm at Poole Park Pavilion on Sandbanks Road.

It's a chance to see the latest proposals, understand some of the design constraints, speak directly with the Maverick team and share your thoughts before the plans are finalised.

The presentation starts at 6pm, followed by an opportunity for discussion.

The team is currently working on Baiter Skatepark Concept Three, with the latest details available online.

If you've previously taken part in the consultation, this is the final meeting, so it's a good opportunity to see how the plans have developed and make sure your views have been heard.

Thursday 13 August, 6pm to 7.30pm
Poole Park Pavilion, Sandbanks Road, Poole, BH15 2SF

You can find the Concept Three plans at bcpprojects.net/plan-for-play/concept-plans/#baiter-skatepark

If you're out and about around Poole and the wider BCP area this month, don't forget to look up. August is a fantastic time to spot some of the UK's most impressive birds of prey.

Poole and Christchurch harbours, our heaths, clifftops, parks and open spaces provide habitats for an incredible variety of raptors, and it's not every day you can see species such as white-tailed eagles and ospreys flying above an urban area.

White-tailed eagles, the UK's largest birds of prey, have become a regular sight locally, while ospreys can be seen around Poole Harbour during their summer visit. Peregrine falcons can also be spotted around the rooftops of Bournemouth and Poole.

Other species to look out for include marsh harriers, red kites, hobbies, sparrowhawks and kestrels.

Poole Harbour has become particularly important for ospreys following a reintroduction and translocation programme launched in 2017 by Birds of Poole Harbour and the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation. In 2022, an osprey chick was successfully raised in Poole Harbour, the first successful breeding in southern Britain in almost 200 years. Four chicks from the same parents have followed this year.

Christchurch Harbour is another excellent place for spotting birds of prey. Ospreys are expected almost daily during August and September as they hunt for fish before beginning their migration back to Africa.

If you fancy trying your luck, top local spots include Poole and Christchurch harbours, Ham Common, Dunyeats Heath, Hengistbury Head, Corfe Hills, St Catherine's Hill, Canford Heath and Upton Country Park.

And remember to enjoy these special places responsibly and give wildlife plenty of space.

White-tailed eagle: The UK's largest bird of prey, with a wingspan of around eight feet.

Osprey: A spectacular fish-eating raptor and regular summer visitor to Poole Harbour.

Hobby: A fast-flying summer visitor, famous for catching dragonflies.

Peregrine: The world's fastest bird, often seen around local town centres.

Marsh harrier: An elegant wetland raptor that can be seen around Christchurch Harbour.

So next time you're walking, cycling or simply enjoying the sunshine, keep your eyes on the skies. You never know what might fly over.

The wait is almost over for M&S fans, because the brand-new M&S Foodhall at Poole Retail Park officially opens its doors this Wednesday, 12 August.

We've been following the plans since we first reported on the new store back in September last year, and it's now finally ready to welcome shoppers.

The 20,000 square foot Foodhall has been created inside the former Homebase building in Branksome and is expected to create around 90 new jobs.

Shoppers will be able to browse the full M&S food range, including fresh produce, bakery items, ready meals, flowers and plants, plus hot food and specialist ranges including Plant Kitchen and Free From.

And, of course, there's one feature that's already getting plenty of attention: the M&S Cheese Barge.

M&S Redlands Poole has been sharing the countdown on social media, promising fresh bakery treats, Click & Collect, weekly essentials and plenty of cheese.

The new store officially opens on Wednesday 12 August!

There’s a new reason to head to The Dolphin in Poole, with award-winning local pizza company Ojo’s Pizza now serving up its stone-baked pizzas at Street Food.

Ojo’s has built a name for itself around Poole with its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, made using fresh dough, quality ingredients imported from Italy and cooked in a wood-fired oven to get that distinctive char.

The team describes its pizzas as a combination of traditional techniques and great ingredients, with simple toppings that let the quality of the pizza do the talking. And if you’ve ever tried one of Ojo’s pizzas at one of its regular pop-up locations, you’ll know why they’ve developed such a following locally.

The new spot at The Dolphin means you can now grab a slice while you're out and about in the town centre, whether you're looking for a quick lunch or somewhere to settle in with friends for some proper pizza.

Ojo’s continues to operate its regular pop-ups too, including Tuesdays at Lytchett Matravers Village Hall car park and Thursdays at St Michael’s Church car park in Hamworthy.

So, if you’re a pizza fan, it looks like there’s another local spot worth adding to the list. Pop into The Dolphin, say hello to the Ojo’s team and give their award-winning pizza a try.

This week’s property is pretty stunning and perfect for storing your car collection! 👉 View the property

Poole Library and the Customer Service Hub at the Dolphin Centre will temporarily close to the public from Wednesday 26 August until Friday 25 September while essential roof repair work takes place.

The closure is needed as contractors move into one of the most disruptive phases of work to remove Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete, better known as RAAC, from the roof space above the library.

Although the library has remained safe to use since the work began earlier this year, the next stage will involve continuous drilling, demolition and the removal of waste materials, creating significant noise and disruption during weekdays.

The library, Customer Service Hub and Citizens Advice services based in the building will therefore close during this four-week period.

There is some good news for regular library users. The library will continue to open on Saturdays from 9am to 5pm throughout the closure, when contractors will not be working on site.

Books can still be returned using the returns bin outside the library entrance, or at any other BCP Council library.

Nearby libraries including Hamworthy, Oakdale, Parkstone, Branksome and Broadstone will remain open as normal.

Customer Services can be accessed online or in person at the Civic Centre in Bournemouth, while Citizens Advice can be contacted by phone or online.

BCP Council has warned that this is not necessarily the last disruption. A second phase of roof works is expected later in the year and could result in intermittent closures during November.

Residents are advised to keep an eye on BCP Libraries' social media channels for the latest updates.

Last week’s quiz was all about the Poole Logboat, which is over 2,300 years old! If you haven’t seen it yet, pop down to Poole Museum and find out more.

Constitution Hill has been wowing visitors for centuries, including one very famous one. King Edward once stood on the hill overlooking Poole Harbour and was so taken by the view that he couldn't help but comment. Which of these is what he actually said?

Get ready to look to the skies on Wednesday evening, because a rare partial solar eclipse will be visible across the UK.

On Wednesday 12 August, the Moon will pass in front of the Sun, blocking out a large part of it. At the eclipse's peak shortly after 7.10pm, more than 90% of the Sun is expected to be covered from many parts of the UK.

From Dorset, the Sun will be very low in the sky by this point, so finding somewhere with a clear, unobstructed view towards the west or north-west will give you the best chance of seeing it.

The eclipse is expected to begin at around 6pm, with the main event taking place around 7.10pm to 7.15pm, before the eclipse ends at around 8pm.

And there's another reason to keep looking skywards. The Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak overnight on 12 and 13 August, giving you the chance to enjoy two spectacular celestial events in one evening.

It is not safe to look directly at the Sun, even during an eclipse. Normal sunglasses do not provide enough protection.

If you want to view the eclipse directly, use specialist solar eclipse glasses carrying the ISO 12312-2 safety standard.

Never look at the Sun through binoculars, a telescope or a camera unless it has a specialist solar filter fitted correctly. Don't rely on clouds to protect your eyes either.

You can also make a simple pinhole projector or use a colander to project the shape of the eclipsed Sun onto a surface.

If the weather doesn't cooperate, there will also be live streams available online.

Check out these guidelines from the BBC.

For an extra-special way to experience the eclipse, Coastal Cruises is running a Sunset Solar Eclipse Cruise, departing Poole Quay at 6pm and returning at 8pm.

The two-hour cruise will have open viewing decks, indoor lounges, a licensed bar and live commentary from the crew.

Passengers will need to bring their own ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses if they want to view the Sun directly.

For more information and bookings, visit coastalcruisespoole.co.uk/eclipse-cruise or call 07483 0338487.

Whether you watch from the harbour, a local beach, a park or your garden, Wednesday evening could be a pretty spectacular one for stargazers.

Creative Summer Camp 2026, Lighthouse Poole, Tuesday 11 August to Friday 21 August, 10am to 4pm
A child-led creative summer camp for 7 to 12 year olds, exploring drawing, sculpture, movement and mindful making, inspired by the four elements. Book

Summer Fantasy Trail, Upton Country Park, Thursday 23 July to Monday 31 August, 10am to 4pm
A free 45-minute family-friendly trail through the gardens and woodlands. Pick up your free trail sheet from the Welcome Centre.

The Gallery Upstairs presents 'Cornucopia', Upton Country Park, Thursday 6 August to Monday 24 August, 10am to 4:30pm
Free exhibition featuring work by Deborah and David Robinson, including paintings, prints, photographs, jewellery, books, 3D pieces and needlefelting.

Life in Full Colour: The Art of Jason Wilsher-Mills, Poole Museum, Friday 10 July to Sunday 3 January 2027
Explore the bold and colourful work of Jason Wilsher-Mills, including sculptures, digital paintings, animations, tapestries and a new figurehead inspired by Poole's maritime history.

Steamship Shieldhall alongside at Poole Quay, Poole Quay, Thursday 13 August to Monday 17 August
The SS Shieldhall, the UK's largest original steamship still operating, returns to Poole Quay. Visit the historic vessel, explore the engine and boiler rooms, bridge and saloon, and see this incredible piece of maritime history up close. The free open day takes place on Friday 14 August from 10am to 6pm.

Bike Night, Poole Quay, 6pm to 9:30pm
A family-friendly evening of bikes, food, drinks and entertainment on Poole Quay.

SBomb Bike Night, SBomb, 6pm to midnight
Every Tuesday is Bike Night at S Bomb, with free entry, a food truck and the full bar open.

M&S Foodhall opening, M&S Redlands Poole, from 9am
The brand-new M&S Foodhall at Poole Retail Park officially opens its doors.

Sangria Social, Rockwater, 6pm to 10pm
Enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired evening on the Roof Terrace with fresh local seafood paella, sangria and stunning sea views.

Sunset Solar Eclipse Cruise, Poole Quay, 6pm to 8pm
A special two-hour cruise timed to coincide with the partial solar eclipse, with views across Poole Harbour. Bring your own ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses.

LIVE MUSIC: Chris G, Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 8:30pm to 10:30pm
Live music from Chris G.

Poole Quay Summer Fireworks, Poole Quay, from 7pm
Free live music, street entertainment, family fun and rides, followed by the summer fireworks finale at 10pm.

The Country Showcase, HonkyTonk Collective, 7pm
Three country singer-songwriters showcase local talent. Free entry, with dinner, drinks and live music.

Outdoor Theatre: The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny, Corfe Castle, 7pm to 9pm
Quantum Theatre presents a charming outdoor adaptation of Beatrix Potter's classic tale. Gates open at 6pm. Bring blankets, cushions or camping chairs and come prepared for the weather.

PHS Work Boat Open Day, Poole Quay, 2pm to 6pm
Step aboard a range of local workboats for an onboard tour and a chance to meet and chat with their crews.

BBC Radio 4's Any Questions?, Poole Museum, Scaplen's Court, 6:30pm to 9pm
BBC Radio 4's flagship political discussion programme comes to Poole. Doors open at 6:30pm and close at 7:15pm, with the programme broadcast live from 8pm to 9pm. Free ticket required.

Car Nights on Poole Quay: Hot Rods and American, Poole Quay, from 6pm
A spectacular collection of hot rods and American cars on Poole Quay, with plenty of places to eat and drink nearby.

John Springett, SBomb, from 6pm
Free entry, with live music from 8:45pm and the bar open throughout the evening.

The Music of Motown: The Candlelight Concert, St Peters Poole, 7:30pm to 9:45pm
Experience Motown classics performed by a live band and powerhouse vocalists in a stunning candlelit setting. Doors open at 6:30pm.

Spanish Night Afloat, Coastal Cruises Poole, 7pm
Enjoy freshly cooked paella, sangria, Spanish music and sunset views during an evening cruise around the coast.

Clint Fisher, HonkyTonk Collective, from 8pm
Clint Fisher returns with all your country favourites. Free entry, with dinner, drinks and live music.

LIVE MUSIC: The Scanners, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9pm to 11pm
Live music from The Scanners.

LIVE MUSIC: Jim Etherington, Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 4pm to 6pm
Live music from Jim Etherington.

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