BOROUGH OF POOLE

Canford Cliffs and penn hill avenue AREA COMMITTEE

19th April 2006

REPORT FOR members INFORMATION

branksome Park Conservation Area Character AppraIsal and management plan

1.Purpose of Report

1.1The designation of a conservation is not an end in itself, but the beginning of a process which involves the preparation of a character appraisal and management plan. By undertaking an appraisal of the character of the area we are better able to appreciate its special qualities. This will lead to more informed decision making on planning applications.

1.2We have undertaken a character appraisal of Branksome Park and are now consulting with the local community, seeking the public’s views on the character of the area, what people value and how to protect the conservation area in the future. Branksome Park has experienced on-going pressure for development and this document will help to manage proposals for future development in a way which preserves the character and appearance of the area.

  1. Recommendation

It is recommended that:

2.1 The contents of this report are noted.

2.2 Views from members of the public are invited.

3.Consultation Draft Character Appraisal and Management Plan

3.1 The Branksome Park character appraisal briefly examines the origins of the area from the mid-C19, before going on to consider the importance of the landscape characteristics which are unique to the area. Front boundaries are particularly important as are other landscape features such as street trees and Branksome Chine. Negative factors are also highlighted.

3.2 An analysis of the buildings and their contribution to the townscape of Branksome Park identifies a number of key unlisted buildings, a range of common materials and architectural features. The analysis of the area is concluded with a summary of its key characteristics. This is defined by its spacious sylvan character, as a result of large building plots laid out in the C19th together with extensive planting carried out since that time. The gradual evolution of the area over more than 150 years is reflected in the varied architecture which has both traditional and modern styles. Plots are nearly all ¾ acre in size or more and houses are generally large detached buildings which appear to nestle in woodland clearings. Many roads are quiet with a green and informal appearance, very different from the surrounding town.

3.3 Ten ‘design codes’ have been prepared as guidelines for development within the conservation area. These are summarised as follows:

  • Code 1: Trees and vegetation should remain dominant over buildings;
  • Code 2: The demolition of buildings or features which add to character will normally be resisted;
  • Code 3: Boundary walls, fences, gates and entrances should be designed to allow for trees and hedges to be the dominant method of boundary treatment;
  • Code 4: Building materials for extensions should match those of the main building. New architecture may be acceptable where the character of the area is respected;
  • Code 5: Replacement buildings should be orientated on the site in a similar way to the original building. The longest elevation and front door should not always face the road;
  • Code 6: Short informal views along roads should be retained. New landmark buildings would not be appropriate;
  • Code 7: Highway improvements should be carefully considered to ensure that the informal character of the area is not adversely affected;
  • Code 8: The redevelopment of homes in areas largely occupied by bungalows, should ensure that the replacement house is not significantly greater than the existing building;
  • Code 9: Gaps between buildings/sites should be retained to maintain the spacious character.
  • Code 10: Landscaping of development sites should ensure appropriate replacement planting where trees and vegetation are removed as part of the development proposals.
  • Within the overall conservation area a number ‘detailed character areas’ have been identified. Section 4 of the document examines the character areas in more detail and highlights local matters to which particular regard should be paid when considering any proposals for development.

4.Public Involvement and Consultation

4.1 Consultation on the Branksome Park Character Appraisal and Management Plan is currently underway. As part of this process and to raise public awareness, the following consultation measures have been undertaken.

  • Posters and copies of the document have been placed in Branksome Library, Canford Cliffs Library and Planning Reception in the Civic Centre;
  • An article placed in the Branksome Park Residents Association Magazine;
  • Copies of the document provided to Branksome Park Residents Association and Dorset Lakes Association;
  • A press release has been published;
  • Public meeting held at All Saints Church Hall;
  • The document is available on together with an on-line questionnaire, and has been advertised on web page;
  • Internal consultations with Council Departments;
  • Letters sent to local agents who have submitted planning applications in the area in the last two years.
  • An item will also appear in Poole News in May.
  • The feedback received as a result of this consultation will be evaluated and where appropriate changes will be made to the final document prior to its adoption. The final version will be brought before members for adoption as supplementary planning guidance. It will then become a material consideration in the determination of planning applications within the Branksome Park Conservation Area.

John Biggs - Environment Team Leader

Appendix A: Location and extent of the Conservation Area

Background Papers:

- Conservation Area Statement,1997;

-Poole Local Plan, 1997;

Name and Telephone Number of Officer Contact: Philip Smith, Planning Officer: Urban Design (01202) 633335

APPENDIX A TO THIS REPORT IS NOT AVAILABLE ELECTRONICALLY – PLEASE CONTACT LEGAL AND DEMOCRATIC SERVICES SHOULD A COPY BE REQUIRED.

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