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7 Dec 00

PROPOSAL FOR CONSERVATION AREA AT ASHINGTON

Over the next month local residents are being asked for their views on proposals to create a new rural conservation area in Ashington, Canford Magna, Poole.

A 'conservation area' is an area that introduces special controls to preserve and enhance its architectural or historic character. Poole already has 13 designated conservation areas, ranging from the Old Town to Branksome Park. If approved, Ashington would become the 14th conservation area in the Borough.

Ashington, an area north east of Corfe Mullen, between Merley Park Road and the A31, is part of the historic Canford Estate and includes a buried Roman fortress at Lake Farm. Home to approximately 50 residents, the proposed conservation area is based around three groups of important buildings; Lake Farm, Merley Hall Farm and early examples of Lady Wimborne Cottages.

Working with local amenity society, 'Friends Of Rural Ashington' (FORA), the Council have developed a public consultation survey to discover the views of residents on proposals for the area.

David Broomfield, FORA's Honorary Secretary, said: "Ashington is a beautiful area with attractive and historic buildings. We fully support the proposals for a new conservation area which will preserve and enhance the personality of the area and protect its setting."

Philip Warburton, Design Planner for the Borough of Poole, said: "We want to protect the unique character of the area so that it can be enjoyed by future generations. We believe that creating a new conservation area will help to preserve its distinct identity. The opinions of local people are important to us and we encourage residents to get in touch and give us their views."

The designation of a new rural conservation area would introduce extra controls which would help to ensure that extra care is taken with alterations and extensions, together with the use of appropriate materials, so that important buildings are kept in fitting with the area.

Everyone living within the proposed conservation area has been sent a plan, a report describing the area's special character and a leaflet called "Living in a Conservation Area" listing conservation areas in Poole and the differences in Planning Law that the new designation would make.

The proposed area would include:
The area from Ashington Lane to the south with views across fields on the west, to neighbouring Wimborne. Easterly views from Ashington Lane are restricted but some houses and barns are included. Buildings and the open land between Lake and Merley Hall farmhouses to the north of Willett Road are included and also buildings on the south side for continuity.


Following December's public consultations, the Borough of Poole's Executive Committee will meet to decide whether the designation of the conservation will be approved (date yet to be confirmed.) The new designation will then be formally advertised in the London Gazette and in local newspapers. The results of the consultation will made public through a committee report.

Philip Warburton, Design Planner - Planning Design & Control Services