Would you agree with the aim of retaining the open plan nature of the estate by preserving our green open amenity spaces and by supporting the aim of preserving the existing mature trees as much as is possible.? If so please add your name to a residents group / association that could more effectively seek support from local authorities..
The area of the Highland Park estate adjoins two protected areas, one the Conservation area of Rowlands Hill/St. John’s Hill (1981) and the other an area of Special Character, the Giddylake/Beaucroft Lane area and is itself an attractive and enjoyable open area in which to live and which compliments the historic and well preserved market town of Wimborne Minster that lies only a few hundred metres away.
Why be concerned ?
The August 2013 Meeting with the Senior Management of EDDC
In August 2013 a meeting was arranged with the Chief Executive of EDDC, and with the Head of Environmental Health Services, Housing Management Services, Licensing, Health and Safety, Building Control, Community Safety, collectively driving forward the EDDC Strategy.
This meeting was arranged by Annette Brooke MP and was attended by David Packer as Ward Councillor for the estate and by five residents.
Questions were asked of the EDDC Senior Management and included our concerns over the ‘release’ of amenity space, the lack of protection and control shown over the open spaces and mention was made of the importance to the community from the ‘Well Being’ contribution such spaces made. It was also raised that in 2011 the council acknowledged that they maintained the spaces as “Stewards” - This being the term used on the TPO notice indicated on one of the trees on which a TPO was subsequently removed. Despite the spaces being required by previous planning departments as ‘amenity space’ the CEO interrupted a question that included this term to comment that the EDDC did not regard them in this capacity. At the end of the meeting it was agreed that EDDC recommendations would be made now that the views of the residents and Councillor Packer and Annette Brooke MP, were known - and a report sent to Mrs Brooke. Nearly four months elapsed without any EDDC response until Mrs Brooke wrote giving until the end of December to conclude the recommendations. The EDDC reply that addressed very few of the issues discussed was received on December 10th 2013.
roads of Cranfield Avenue and Wesley Road - and the adjoining quiet cul-de-sacs of Oakdene Close, Pine Tree Close, Ashdene Close, Birchdale Road, Hornbeam Way, Poplar Close and Royston Drive together with maturing planting schemes in open front gardens and amenity strips, have defined and integrated this residential development into the rest of the hillside settlements of Rowlands, Colehill and the Special Character Area of Giddylake and Beaucroft Lane, Wesley Wood and the surrounding countryside. The open amenity spaces required for inclusion have been used for the passive recreation purpose intended and conform with recent ideal requirement of planning authorities that developments contribute to the 'Well Being' of communities who pass through, use and live in the area. Natural England acknowledges that 'Green spaces' in communities are important and advocate “….. shaded areas and places to absorb flood water help in management and mitigation of climate change; ….. health and quality of life benefits to people and communities as part of a Natural Health Service; ….. adding to an area's character, boosting civic pride and helping to attract investment.”
As a result of a clear thinking planning department at the time of the design & development of the estate, open spaces and trees were planted - along with a programme of replanting - this being a requirement for the approval of the plans for the estate. As a consequence the area is now an 'open planned' ‘spacious' ‘leafy' ‘established' and 'settled' community. The irregular building line and randomised orientations between houses in the main
The August 2013 Meeting with the Senior Management of EDDC
| Amenity Spaces |
| Supporting Ourselves |
| An "RA" |
| What Next |