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..
Highland Park Estate ~ Wimborne, Dorset
When our estate was planned the East Dorset District Council’s planning department required of the developers that open green spaces be included in the design - “The Open Spaces … shall be reserved solely as public open space for the benefit of the residential estate’ …” and they also required that “… a landscaping and tree planting scheme shall be submitted and approved by the Local Planning Authority … and replacements made as may be necessary to secure the establishment of an effective planting and landscaping scheme”
Of course since the building of the estate the developer has ceased trading but the quality of the design of the area has not gone unrecognised by more recent officers of the EDDC. The EDDC Design & Conservation department commented on an application on 20 Feb 2009 with regard to these green open spaces we currently enjoy – “… the incidental public open space, the purpose of which is to reinforce the open plan design of the estate. There are many such green spaces which enhance and soften the street scene.”
In a more recent comment from the planning team following a developer’s request to remove a communal tree on a different estate within the EDDC area, officers commented “ ….. the specimen is part of an important group of similar trees. These form an important landscape feature and can be seen from a number of viewpoints.” Surely then the EDDC might value and be keen to protect our environment too?
Careful planning has helped reduce the degree of being overlooked.
The Highland Park estate was established with landscaped green open spaces and trees. Many residents have already expressed their concern that over time these are being eroded by the gradual enclosure of the spaces and removal of trees.
In order to preserve them we feel that the trees and spaces should fall under the protection of our local councils (Wimborne and Colehill) and be adopted as part of their local plans and to facilitate discussions it might be useful to form a Residents’ Association. This would be an informal grouping designed to seek a unified approach for the councils to better gauge and recognise the depth of feeling of the residents.
By appealing to the councils it should be possible to maintain and save these precious spaces trees and shrubs which give our estate its unique quality. In doing this we would be respecting the aims of the original developer in creating a landscaped estate with screening and shade from established trees and shrubs and amenity spaces for the communal enjoyment of its residents.
Preserving these amenity areas would also be in keeping with modern priorities incorporating ‘well being’ into areas of environmental design. Natural England promotes the provision of green corridors thereby encouraging wildlife into the environment. Protecting the green spaces and trees on our estate would contribute to preserving the communal environment.
| Amenity Spaces |
| Supporting Ourselves |
| An "RA" |
| What Next |