Planning Specialist urges residents to get behind  Conservation Area Plans

Poole residents have been urged to have their say on the future of their historic town centre.

Planning and heritage specialist James Edwards from commercial property specialists Colliers International  has urged  residents, occupiers and property owners in Poole to  comment on proposals being drawn up by the Borough Council. 

The council is seeking  to consolidate conservation areas in the Old Town, Quay, and High Street   extending them into adjoining areas to protect several historic sites which are considered to be of significant architectural   value.

James Edwards welcomed the move. He said:  “Protecting our heritage and historic townscape is vitally important as once it has gone or been irrevocably altered it cannot be reinstated.

“Conservation areas form the backbone of a great many town centres and their protection and expansion can be seen as a considerable benefit to those who live and own property within them.”

James,   who advises property owners on the implications of conservation area status, said the council’s aim to extend the designation would support property values by protecting key areas from unsuitable development.

“Conservation Area designation really does provide a bonus selling point as well as  generating additional interest from potential purchasers and occupiers.”

Conservation status could carry implications for owners and occupiers wishing to change the use or re-develop premises in the  area around the Dolphin Shopping Centre,   Lighthouse  and the Quay.

The proposals also aim to improve the network of alleyways adjoining the town centre -  presently viewed as being rundown.

James Edwards said: “Poole has a large number of characterful buildings but they are somewhat scattered around different areas of the town centre rather than being concentrated in one recognised area.

“Extending the conservation status along the main axis of the town will hopefully improve and conserve Poole’s heritage as well as enhancing the vitality of the town as a whole.”

Residents and owners  have until  February 13 to comment on the proposals, which can be found in full on the council’s website.

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