This week’s issue is massive! And we’ve got a big one to start with: the Haven Hotel demolition plans have been refused, for now, so we've got the details on what happens next.

Also this week: Poole Pirates go for an incredible third straight title on Wednesday, Nathan Outlaw's new restaurant Outlaw House has opened in Canford Cliffs, the Penn Hill by-election is coming up, and we've reached the darkest chapter yet in our continuing history of Poole's trams.

Plus the usual local history trivia question, a beautiful dog in our property pick and huge number of events to finish on. Dive in and enjoy!

PooleNow is now proudly sponsored by Bournemouth One, the local radio station bringing you music, news and travel updates across Dorset. Listen whilst you read!

Plans to demolish the Haven Hotel at Sandbanks have been refused by BCP Council, but the story is not over yet.

The owners applied through a fast-track route called "prior approval", which treats demolition as allowed in principle. Under this route the council can only consider how a building comes down and how the site is left afterwards, not whether it should go at all.

BCP council has turned the application down on technical grounds. It said the plans included work on the swimming pool that goes beyond simple demolition, gave too little detail on the demolition method and on restoring the site, and lacked an environmental screening, which matters for a site right at the mouth of Poole Harbour.

So what next? The owners can appeal within six months or, more likely, fill the gaps and apply again. If an environmental assessment is required, demolition would need full planning permission, which means public consultation and closer scrutiny.

The Haven has stood at the harbour entrance since the 1880s and was once home to Marconi's wireless experiments. We'll keep you posted.

Penn Hill is electing a new BCP councillor on Thursday 5 November, and there are some deadlines coming up fast if you want your say.

If you are not already on the electoral register, you need to be registered by Tuesday 20 October to vote in this by-election. That is the hard cut off.

If you would rather not go to a polling station, you can apply for a postal vote, but your application or any change to an existing postal or proxy arrangement has to be in by 5pm on Wednesday 21 October. To appoint someone else to vote on your behalf as a proxy, the deadline is 5pm on Wednesday 28 October.

Poll cards should have landed around 2 October with your allocated polling station printed on them, though you do not need to bring the card itself. Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm.

Candidates had not been published when we went to press. We will list them once they are confirmed.

The Local Plan consultation we have been telling you about is not starting this month after all. It has been pushed back to November.

The reason is the article you’ve just read. Voters in Penn Hill go to the polls on Thursday 5 November, and council leader Councillor Millie Earl said the delay reflects the sensitivities of running a major housing consultation during a live local election campaign.

The consultation will still run for six weeks once it opens. If you had the 29 October date in your diary from our last issue (of course you did!), cross it out.

We will flag it here the moment it opens.

The old Loch Fyne site in Canford Cliffs has a new occupant, and a well known name behind it. Outlaw House held its official opening on Saturday 3 October.

The name belongs to Nathan Outlaw, who is about as serious as British seafood cooking gets. Outlaw learned his trade in Padstow under Rick Stein in the late 1990s, and the two have been friends ever since.

What stands out on the menu is how much of it comes from within a few miles. There are Dorset crab scones, dressed Dorset oysters served with champagne and grapes, and sourdough from Oxford's, the Dorset bakers who have been at it for four generations. The team made the trip out to the oyster farm from Poole Quay to meet the growers themselves, and even the prints on the walls come from Drax Studio up the road in Canford Cliffs.

Outlaw himself will not be at the pass every service, and the restaurant is upfront about that. The food is his vision, his suppliers and his standards, but the kitchen is run day to day by head chef Fergus Coyle, who has more than twenty years behind him, including The Fifth Floor at Harvey Nichols, a five star Caribbean resort as executive chef, and most recently executive chef for the Rick Stein Group.

It is billed as a coastal brasserie rather than fine dining, and there are rooms upstairs, so dinner does not have to end with the drive home.

Make a reservation here.

If you run a business locally, or you are trying to work out what the next few years look like for your industry, Silicon South's Future Shapers conference is at the Hilton Bournemouth on Tuesday 13 October, running 9am to 5pm.

The keynote comes from Henry Coutinho-Mason, a futurist and author who spends his time working out which emerging trends actually matter and which are noise.

The day covers AI and the future of work, entrepreneurship and innovation, future skills, digital creativity and diversity in tech. Alongside the national speakers, the programme puts local businesses and people on the stage to talk about what they are building here.

That last part is the bit worth turning up for. There is a decent tech and creative sector across BCP that does not always get talked about, and a day in a room with the people in it tends to be more useful than any amount of reading about it.

Tickets and the full programme are on Eventbrite, and BCP Council has details in its business section.

This is one of the most popular sections of our newsletter - if you’re interested in sponsoring it in order to help keep PooleNow running - get in touch!

Is this Nathan Ake’s house, or are they just a fan? I don’t know, but I’m guessing the lovely looking dog doesn’t come with the house: 👉 View the property

We left the story in 1905, with Poole Corporation having bought the tramway and handed it straight to Bournemouth on a thirty year lease. Things were looking up, however after a couple of years running an incident nearly caused the whole network to close down and prompted a complete re-organisation of the management.

On 1 May 1908, car number 72 came down Avenue Road in Bournemouth, picked up speed, and failed to take the sharp curve at the bottom when its brakes gave out. It left the rails, crossed the pavement and dropped around twenty feet into the garden of a house called Fairlight Glen. Seven people died and twenty six were injured, and it remains the worst accident in the network's history. The driver, William Wilton, was badly hurt but stayed and helped pull passengers from the wreckage.

The Board of Trade blamed the brakes, but also how the tramway was run, finding responsibility scattered across several corporation departments with nobody properly in charge. The system was pulled together under a single general manager as a result.

So after some major changes and safety improvements: where could you actually go?

The answer is further than you might think.

In Poole the line started by the old railway station. The track ran through what is now Shakeaway, into and through what became the Dolphin Centre, then past the George Hotel before heading out along Parkstone Road and past Poole Park.

At the Civic Centre it split. One branch climbed North Road towards Ashley Road, the other went up Commercial Road. They joined back together at Pottery Junction, beside what is now M&S and John Lewis, and from there a single line ran the whole length of Poole Road to Westbourne and on into Bournemouth.

Trams terminated in the Square, and from there the network fanned out in three directions.

North, you could go up Richmond Hill and carry on all the way to Moordown via Winton. East on Holdenhurst Road took you to King's Park, which was handy if you fancied watching Bournemouth and Boscombe Athletic at Dean Court. Or you could take the long way along Christchurch Road, stopping in Boscombe, turning right at Pokesdown Station, running through Southbourne, then up and over Tuckton Bridge and on to the Post Office on Church Street in Christchurch.

Contemplate that for a moment. From Poole railway station you could reach Christchurch, Moordown or a football match, on electric public transport, without once getting into a car. At its height the network ran to just over 16 miles of route.

It is hard not to look at Poole Road on a weekday morning, nose to tail, and wonder what it would be like if all those commuters were still coming in by tram.

Next time: what happened and why we’re not enjoying the benefit of trams today.

Poole Park has had a remarkable variety of attractions over the years, including a bandstand (removed in the 1930s), aviaries for exotic waterfowl (replaced in 1963), and a small zoo that ran until 1994 and even housed a Himalayan Black Bear. A boating hire pier, however, has never been one of its features!

As there’s a new restaurant there, we head down to Canford Cliffs for our question.

A group of NHS staff, friends and family walked more than 12km from Poole Hospital to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital carrying teddy bears, and raised over £2,370 doing it.

The Teddy Bear Trek took place on Saturday 19 September, with walkers in bright charity shirts and one colleague gamely doing the whole thing in an inflatable bear costume.

The money raised will go to the Do It for the Kids campaign, which is funding extras for the new Children's Unit opening at the Royal Bournemouth in spring 2027: comforting spaces, artwork, seating, equipment and specialised toys.

The Government has approved BCP's SEND Reform Plan, clearing the way for the next stage of changes to support for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

The strategy is organised around getting help to children earlier through a locality model, strengthening inclusion in every setting so fewer children need specialist placements, and making support more consistent.

Poole Pirates are on the brink of history, and they need Wimborne Road roaring behind them to get there. The Pirates head into Wednesday's second leg of the SGB Cab Direct Championship Grand Final against Scunthorpe Scorpions chasing a remarkable third successive title, but it won't be straightforward: Scunthorpe took the first leg at home 49-41, so Poole go into the decider needing to find eight points over the meeting just to force a tie, and more than that to win it outright.

Racing gets underway at 7.30pm on Wednesday 7 October. Tickets are available now through Ticket Tailor, and with a trophy at stake, this is one for the diary.

Teddy Rocks has announced its first headliner for 2027, and it is a big one. Dizzee Rascal tops the bill on the Friday pop night.

The festival runs from Friday 30 April to Sunday 2 May 2027. Friday's pop night has become a favourite with regulars, leaning into nostalgia before the heavier end of the weekend takes over.

Behind the line up is a story worth knowing. Teddy Rocks started as a small gig in 2011, put on by Tom Newton and his family after Tom's ten year old brother Ted died of a very rare bone cancer. Fifteen years later it has raised more than £1 million for children's cancer charities, funding support for families going through treatment and research into the disease.

It has been named one of the UK's best family festivals, with fairground rides and activities alongside the music.

Tickets are on sale now at teddyrocks.co.uk.

Put this one in the diary early, because the organisers think it will sell out: the Poole Symphonic Christmas Concert is at St Peter's Church in Poole on Sunday 6 December, starting at 7pm.

A full symphonic programme of Christmas music in a church in Parkstone, in December, is about as seasonal as it gets, and it is the kind of evening that puts you in the right frame of mind for the rest of the month.

Tickets are available now via St Peter’s website.

Sharon James: The Past is Present, Main Gallery, Lighthouse Poole, Tuesday 6 to Saturday 31 October, daily Tuesday to Sunday

A new exhibition from Swanage-based artist Sharon James, presented with Development Education in Dorset (DEED), continuing her exploration of Black British history, heritage and identity through drawings, textiles, film and a book of images. It's the second show in the project and runs throughout October.

Canford Collective Autumn Exhibition, The Gallery Upstairs, Upton Country Park, Thursday 8 to Monday 12 October, 10am to 4pm

A group of six local artists who enjoy painting together share a love of diverse mediums and subjects. Free admission. The Gallery is above the Tea Rooms, accessible by stairs or lift.

Poole Leisure Painters Annual Exhibition, GATHER, Dolphin Shopping Centre, Wednesday 7 to Sunday 11 October, all day

The local painting group's annual exhibition, with member artwork available to view and buy, free admission.

Bournemouth International Film Festival (BIFF), Hilton Bournemouth, Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October

A new addition to the region's cultural calendar celebrating emerging filmmakers, with short films, features, documentaries and animation from UK and international creators. This year's theme is Social Realism. The festival culminates in a Black-Tie Awards Night on the Saturday.

Christchurch Model Railway Exhibition, St Peter's RC School, Southbourne, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October, 10am to 4pm

The Christchurch and Kinson Model Railway Group's longstanding show has moved to a bigger venue this year, with 25 model railway layouts and 16 traders across three floors. £8 for adults.

Run Bournemouth, Bournemouth Beach, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October, from 9am

A seaside running festival with races over multiple distances including a half marathon, finishing along the seafront.

Lunchtime Recital: The Holtág Quartet, Lighthouse Poole, 1.05pm

A free lunchtime concert at Lighthouse Poole.

Poole Pirates v Scunthorpe Scorpions, Poole Stadium, Wimborne Road, 7.30pm

The second leg of the SGB Cab Direct Championship Grand Final. Scunthorpe won the first leg at home 49-41, so Poole need to overturn an eight point deficit on the night to retain the title they've held for the last two years.

BSO: Youthful Rachmaninov, Lighthouse Poole, 7.30pm

The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra performs at Lighthouse Poole.

Flook, Lighthouse Poole, 7.45pm

The acclaimed folk band bring their contemporary take on traditional music to Lighthouse Poole.

Live Music: Riverside Blues, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 8.30pm to 10.30pm

Live music from Riverside Blues at the Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross.

Simon Brodkin: Unleashed, Lighthouse Poole, 7.30pm

Stand up comedy from Simon Brodkin at Lighthouse Poole.

Buena Bristol Social Club, Lighthouse Poole, 7.45pm

Live music at Lighthouse Poole.

Chopped Liver and Unions, Lighthouse Poole, 8pm

A new drama production at Lighthouse Poole.

We Are Scientists, O2 Academy Bournemouth, 7pm

The American indie rock band play Bournemouth, with support from Eaves Wilder.

Moving Pictures: A Tribute to the Music of Rush, Tivoli Theatre Wimborne, 7.30pm

A note for note tribute to Rush, marking 50 years since the release of 2112.

Elliot Galvin / Corrie Dick / Nikos Ziarkas, SoundCellar @ The Grasshopper, Thursday 8 October
Master keyboardist and electronics wizard Elliot Galvin, with two more superb musicians pushing the boundaries. SoundCellar @ The Grasshopper. Tickets £17.50, £10 NUS, under 18s free when accompanied by one paying adult.
Get tickets

Nocturnal Discovery Walk, Upton Country Park, 6pm to 8pm

A guided night walk to discover the park's bats, moths and other nocturnal inhabitants. £6pp, under 5s free, booking essential.

This Flight Tonight, St Peter's, Poole, 7pm

Live music at St Peter's, Poole.

Alfie Moore: Apocalypse Now, Lighthouse Poole, 7.45pm

Stand up comedy from Alfie Moore at Lighthouse Poole.

Studio Jazz: The Zoe Francis / Jim Mullen Quartet, Lighthouse Poole, 7.45pm

Jazz at Lighthouse Poole's Studio Jazz series.

The Wonder Stuff + Inspiral Carpets, O2 Academy Bournemouth, 7pm

Two of the biggest names from the Madchester era play Bournemouth on the same bill.

The Story of Guitar Heroes, Tivoli Theatre Wimborne, 7.30pm

A guitar focused rock concert spanning five decades of classic riffs.

The Alibi Rock Band, The King Charles Pub, Poole, 9pm

The Alibi play a night of rock covers at The King Charles, Poole.

The Flaming Sambucas, The Tap & Grape, Broadstone, 8.30pm

Live music from The Flaming Sambucas, running for around two and a half hours. One of the key pubs supporting live music in the area.

Live Music: Cherry Bomb Band, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9pm to 11pm

Live music from the Cherry Bomb Band at the Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross.

Nick Cope's Family Show, Lighthouse Poole, 11am

A family friendly music show at Lighthouse Poole.

Bournemouth Chamber Music Society: October 2026, Lighthouse Poole, 2.30pm

A chamber music recital at Lighthouse Poole.

Phil Wang: UH OH, Lighthouse Poole, 7.30pm

Stand up comedy from Phil Wang at Lighthouse Poole.

Dr John Cooper Clarke, Lighthouse Poole, 7.45pm

The punk poet performs at Lighthouse Poole.

Coastal Comedy: October 2026, Lighthouse Poole, 8pm

The monthly Coastal Comedy night.

DJ Set: Leo NXT, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9pm to 1am

Jackin, tech and hip house all night long in the club room behind the bookcase at the Bermuda Triangle Pub.

Live Music: Loose Chippings, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9pm to 11pm

Live music from Loose Chippings at the Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross.

A Night at The Tank Museum: Sleepover, Tank Museum, Bovington

An overnight experience sleeping amongst the tanks, with living history, tank movies, tours and food.

Upton House Open Day, Upton Country Park, 12pm to 4.30pm

Organised by the Friends of Upton Country Park. Admission to the house is free with the purchase of books, souvenirs and gifts, with the chance to take a guided tour of the ground floor rooms.

Crystal Visions, The Tap & Grape, Broadstone, 6pm

A set of favourite covers and original songs from Crystal Visions, with a mix of styles, harmonies, guitar and bass.

Brother Bots, The Foundry Arms at Poole, 58 Lagland Street, Poole, from 3pm

A high energy trio playing bass, drums and synthesisers, known for electronic and dance covers alongside their own music from debut album Sweet. Their first time playing at The Foundry.

The Chicken Soup Choir: Songs from the Beatles, St Peter's, Poole, 6.30pm

A choral performance of Beatles songs at St Peter's, Poole.

Foodie Event: Smoked Dips, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 12pm to 4pm

Cross Fire Cooking takes over the kitchen for an afternoon of smoked meats, loaded French dip rolls and sides, with veggie options too.

Live Music: Almost Nearly Famous, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 4pm to 6pm

Live music from Almost Nearly Famous at the Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross.

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