CONSERVATION AREAS FOR BROADSTONE

During a recent consultation period it was stated that development had so altered Broadstone that there was no longer anywhere within the "village" worthy of conservation. That view was not supported by Poole Borough Council's Local Economy Overview Group which approved two proposals to designate parts of Broadstone as Conservation Areas. This decision has now been ratified by Cabinet so Broadstone has its first Conservation Areas. These are, firstly, St. John's Church and Tudor Road, and secondly, the area between The Ridgeway and Charborough Road including the Recreation Ground. So what is a Conservation Area and how does it affect residents?

A Conservation Area is usually identified as possessing a number of characteristics that together give rise to something special. Building character, environmental features, for example, sylvan landscape, history, and geography all play their part. Whilst age of buildings may be seen as important it is the character and setting of those buildings which are of more significance.

Conservation Areas do not prevent development. However, they do give those areas greater protection than that afforded by Tree Preservation Orders alone. Any future developments, whatever the scale, must be seen to enhance those areas. Other planning policies within the Poole Local Plan make reference to "in keeping with the local environment" or "must not be out of character with the local area" but they do not specify the need to enhance. Even the "Ridges and Skyline" Policy does not apply to the Broadstone area despite its many significant ridges. The creation of Conservation Areas can be controversial because they may have an effect on residents living within them. Above all there is the fear that it will not be possible to carry out any improvements to their property. Whilst planning controls are tighter they do not preclude work being done, especially if it is perceived to enhance the building. Furthermore, grants are available to assist in any improvement work which may be carried out. If demolition is involved then the whole planning process will take longer and additional applications will have to be made. The success of the applications will, of course, depend upon the impact of the proposed development and the need to enhance the area.

The Local Authority has a legal obligation under recent Town and Country Planning Acts not only to identify potential areas for conservation but also to designate such areas. It follows therefore that the Council is likely to be more pro-active in the future and Broadstone could see other parts of the village become Conservation Areas. Two areas that have already been mentioned by residents as potential Conservation Areas are: 1). The area bordered by High Park Road, Roman Road, and Springdale Road, and often referred to as "The Triangle", and 2). Parts of the Golf Links Roads area. It is likely these will be evaluated over the next few months and then the process of public consultation will begin. In the same way that residents can speak at Planning Committee meetings to voice their views over a specific planning application they may also express their opinions regarding a particular Conservation Area proposal at the appropriate Local Economy Overview Group meeting. At the end of the day it boils down to whether an area has a significant character and is that character worth preserving and enhancing for future generations.

Cllr. Mike Brooke

Archive Winter 2004 | next

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