Boscombe building saved from bulldozer (From Bournemouth Echo)
When news happens text pix and video to 80360. Start your message with BE then leave a space.
Boscombe building saved from bulldozer
9:00am Sunday 26th August 2012 in News By Julie Magee
The former Argos site
A VICTORIAN building, overlooking Boscombe Crescent, has been saved from the bulldozers, despite pleas from local residents to knock it down.
The stay of execution, which could be short-lived, came following a lengthy debate by civic planners on the architectural merits of the Christchurch Road terrace, dating back to 1890, above the former Argos store.
Developers Lynwood Park Limited applied for permission to build a new three to four-storey block of 32 two-bed and five one-bed flats with a shop below.
Addressing the council’s planning board, consultant Ken Parke described the existing building as “rather plain and unexciting,” adding that the proposed scheme would help regenerate Boscombe.
However the council’s planning and conservation officers said demolishing the building would be an unacceptable loss to a terrace of good architectural merit.
Bournemouth Civic Society penned a letter of objection but Boscombe West Councillor Chris Wakefield said local residents didn’t want the building saved.
He added: “Fifty per cent of the population in this area is transient; this is not another faceless block of flats. It’s family accommodation and that’s what we want in Boscombe.”
His sentiments were shared by ward Councillor Jane Kelly, the council’s Cabinet member for regeneration, who said: “This is a high profile site – and a gateway to the town centre.
“It will be very sad if this application does not get granted.”
Board vice-chairman Ron Whittaker branded the building “hideous,” adding: “I’d like to see the whole lot down.”
But he voiced concerns over lack of parking at the site, with only four spaces proposed for the retail unit.
Cllr Johann Edward said: “Bus routes are no substitute for cars” but Cllr Linda Bailey disagreed, warning: “You learn to live without parking; this developer won’t hang around.”
Chairman David Kelsey said he couldn’t support the scheme, until the parking issue was resolved, adding: “I’m not against pulling down old buildings but I think parking is essential.”
His move to refuse the application was carried by five votes to two.
Comments(62)
Ralph Horris
says...
9:18am Sun 26 Aug 12
Yes, it used to be home to Leverette and Fry, Plummer Roddis and Green Sheild but that's hardly a pedigree to argue to keep it standing.
I wouldn't want to live in it so why should i expect anyone else to?
Let's move Boscombe into the 21st century and stop living in the past.
jbland
says...
9:23am Sun 26 Aug 12
what are they saving it for ? hardly historical ,it is ........ just an old building.
Reader Echo
says...
9:30am Sun 26 Aug 12
I hope that some form of listed status will be granted on this building in order for it to be protected for future generations to enjoy. Victorian era buildings such as these were built with pride and quality, and should be protected at all costs.
uvox44
says...
9:47am Sun 26 Aug 12
pugs0404
says...
9:59am Sun 26 Aug 12
ahh there is a backhander at stake
pete woodley
says...
10:12am Sun 26 Aug 12
wonderway
says...
10:26am Sun 26 Aug 12
Vikki27
says...
10:27am Sun 26 Aug 12
Keep the building standing, do some restoration work and use it for something worthwhile.
djkent
says...
10:32am Sun 26 Aug 12
djkent
says...
10:33am Sun 26 Aug 12
Controversial But True
says...
10:40am Sun 26 Aug 12
jbland
says...
10:46am Sun 26 Aug 12
djkent wrote:restoring buildings like this is costly and theres nothing to gain ,no one rewards a social conscience - it will be demolished anyway - go and take a proper look at it ,its a crumbling dump .
keep it the victorians knew how to build good quality not dave wells and his cowboy builders building some horibble new brick flat roof eyesore. someone needs to do it up!
its not your money that is going to 'do it up' so who do you propose should ? theres no council investment . having all the ideas and no money is all very well but are you going to live in this restored building as part of your commitment to keeping it ?...... no of course you arent . your argument is dead in the water to be honest
penhale
says...
10:48am Sun 26 Aug 12
Ralph Horris wrote:With your point of view I believe that the whole of Boscombe need knocking down and replacing.
Knock it down. We can't keep every building just because it's old. Something 'in keeping' with the surrounding architecture could be built in it's place with better sized rooms, better insulation, greener credentials etc.
Yes, it used to be home to Leverette and Fry, Plummer Roddis and Green Sheild but that's hardly a pedigree to argue to keep it standing.
I wouldn't want to live in it so why should i expect anyone else to?
Let's move Boscombe into the 21st century and stop living in the past.
buickboy
says...
10:53am Sun 26 Aug 12
penhale wrote:Now you're talking !
Ralph Horris wrote: Knock it down. We can't keep every building just because it's old. Something 'in keeping' with the surrounding architecture could be built in it's place with better sized rooms, better insulation, greener credentials etc. Yes, it used to be home to Leverette and Fry, Plummer Roddis and Green Sheild but that's hardly a pedigree to argue to keep it standing. I wouldn't want to live in it so why should i expect anyone else to? Let's move Boscombe into the 21st century and stop living in the past.With your point of view I believe that the whole of Boscombe need knocking down and replacing.
BmthNewshound
says...
10:57am Sun 26 Aug 12
West Howe Sean
says...
11:48am Sun 26 Aug 12
Bob49
says...
11:51am Sun 26 Aug 12
Cramming 30, 40, 50 or whatever number of flats there will mean a very large number of cars looking to park close by. There are no spaces so they will over spill into other streets causing further problems.
One solution might be to turn the Crescent Gardens into a residents only car park as the council has turned it into a barren wasteland devoid of any social use or attraction.
Ralph Horris
says...
12:02pm Sun 26 Aug 12
buickboy wrote:Absolutely not!! Boscombe has some terrific architectural gems but, with the best will in the world, we can't keep it all.
penhale wrote:Now you're talking !Ralph Horris wrote: Knock it down. We can't keep every building just because it's old. Something 'in keeping' with the surrounding architecture could be built in it's place with better sized rooms, better insulation, greener credentials etc. Yes, it used to be home to Leverette and Fry, Plummer Roddis and Green Sheild but that's hardly a pedigree to argue to keep it standing. I wouldn't want to live in it so why should i expect anyone else to? Let's move Boscombe into the 21st century and stop living in the past.With your point of view I believe that the whole of Boscombe need knocking down and replacing.
Anarmslength
says...
12:51pm Sun 26 Aug 12
Linguist
says...
1:06pm Sun 26 Aug 12
What planet is this woman on and who's pocket is she in?
typ nowhere
says...
1:14pm Sun 26 Aug 12
West Howe Sean wrote:Try here bournemouthecho.co.u
And still no Mouchel article??????
k/news/9893732.Admin
istration_looms_as_M
ouchel_restructure_f
ails
ben611
says...
1:18pm Sun 26 Aug 12
Anneaa
says...
1:50pm Sun 26 Aug 12
1. Mouchel;s chief has recently been given a £400,000 bonus for the wonderful restructuring!!
2. If Dave Wells and his like and their cronies had any skills,in the building field, they could preserve the main structure, restore and develop the building into 3 bedroom maisonettes thus confirming to the requirements of the area - but I expect that is asking too much for that group of money grubbing labourers!!
street warrior
says...
2:18pm Sun 26 Aug 12
Why not turn it into drop in centre for druggies, they wont have far to walk from the deceased crescent
street warrior
says...
2:22pm Sun 26 Aug 12
bobthedestroyer
says...
2:36pm Sun 26 Aug 12
muscliffman
says...
2:43pm Sun 26 Aug 12
To replace it with a new building comprising multiple tiny flats will simply promote yet further the other more serious decay inflicting most of Boscombe.
But as others note, money speaks the loudest, so 'plain brown envelopes', or their kind, in the right places will probably eventually do the trick.
It will then be called regeneration of course.
hrryseccombe
says...
2:43pm Sun 26 Aug 12
He added: “Fifty per cent of the population in this area is transient; this is not another faceless block of flats. It’s family accommodation and that’s what we want in Boscombe.”
How did Chris Wakefield work out that Boscombe residents don't want this building saved, he certainly doesn't speak for me. I love Bath and Brighton, both work hard to save its historical buildings with clever and innovative new designs. Bath has World Heritage status now. Seeing as Chris Wakefield pressed for the Shelley manor project, and the Destruction of the BCCA building and various other dubious projects lacking local support, i can't take his view seriously, same goes for Jane Kelly wrapped up in the Bournemouth 2026 farce. They don't do community consultation in Boscombe. I was at BARG last year where plans were shown for various new look new builds for the argos building, when it was brought up that maybe the original building should be saved and renovated, Chris Wakefield said that the developers already had planning permission so there was no point discussing that option, and Mark Cribb quickly moved on the meeting mumbling something about being pro-active, so much for consultations. Well done the Civic Society. Also Walpole Road and The crescent are officially the most deprived area in the South West, so how can adding even more 1 and 2 bedroom flats help and how on earth can a 1 or 2 bedroom flat with no garden nor parking be described as FAMILY housing. What a joke. From the company that bought you regeneration via destroying Boscombe's only Community Centre the BCCA.
hrryseccombe
says...
2:54pm Sun 26 Aug 12
djkent
says...
4:48pm Sun 26 Aug 12
Benniestewart
says...
5:45pm Sun 26 Aug 12
and restore the Building -
Create large two/three bedroom flats within the Building and maintain
and enhance the Crescent Buildings
that in most town and cities would be prized - above all resolve the problem
of rehabs and hmos in this area no regeneration without the cleanup
social engineering has destroyed Boscombe if people genuinely care
social engineering can change it again
mpdor
says...
6:39pm Sun 26 Aug 12
SFF
says...
7:22pm Sun 26 Aug 12
mysticalshoelace
says...
7:45pm Sun 26 Aug 12
llr Linda Bailey disagreed, warning: “You learn to live without parking; this developer won’t hang around.”What a muppet! Bet she has a large drive and an even bigger garage!
BournemouthMum
says...
9:33pm Sun 26 Aug 12
djkent wrote:Townhouses? When was the last time you saw a HOUSE being built in Boscombe? I know the building's an eyesore, but I don't think knocking it down is the answer (unless of course it was for houses which won't happen). The building can be restored and a new use can be found. Blocks of flats are popping up all over the place and add nothing of any value to the area and destroy the character of the place.
it would cost less to do it up then knock down and build new some nice townhouses would be good not polish bedsits
bosco1
says...
9:54pm Sun 26 Aug 12
Bob49
says...
10:16pm Sun 26 Aug 12
or rather, get rid of those causing the problems, stop bringing in more and more of them and gradually the place will transform
you don't stop a house fire by building a nice conservatory next to it
bosco1
says...
10:28pm Sun 26 Aug 12
Bob49 wrote:hi Rob49 agree with you 100% get rid those causing the problems in the first instance, and maybe just maybe people might stay or move into Boscombe?!
"Everyone says get people with money here and things will change for the better" or rather, get rid of those causing the problems, stop bringing in more and more of them and gradually the place will transform you don't stop a house fire by building a nice conservatory next to it
Vivienhoffman
says...
11:07am Mon 27 Aug 12
As for knocking it down and building "family housing" I'm not the only one referring to the type of cheap building that goes on in Boscombe as "slum housing" - tiny rooms and too-thin walls leading to anti social problems as people are heaped on top of one another, unable to help inflicting their musical tastes, arguments, crying babies etc. on one another, leading to a general low quality of life. The Victorians built walls of a reasonable thickness, as well as rooms of a size spacious enough to allow
for a rearrangement of furniture.
Why on earth anybody would call this building "hideous" when we have the monstrous McDonald's and Greens building just along the road, is ridiculous.
Azphreal
says...
1:38pm Mon 27 Aug 12
lonelysurf
says...
2:59pm Mon 27 Aug 12
the old buildings were built using natural mathematical formulas namely the 'golden mean'(GOOGLE it),they are very pleasing to the eye,unlike the new junk that is being thrown up everywhere that are more akin to Lego structures,Backhande
rs are rife in Bournemouth Council,Jane Kelly and Chris Wakefield you should be ashamed for supporting the demolishion of sound structures to be replaced with others of poor quality that will only last 20-30 yrs MAX ...All eyes are on YOU..!!!
lonelysurf
says...
2:59pm Mon 27 Aug 12
the old buildings were built using natural mathematical formulas namely the 'golden mean'(GOOGLE it),they are very pleasing to the eye,unlike the new junk that is being thrown up everywhere that are more akin to Lego structures,Backhande
rs are rife in Bournemouth Council,Jane Kelly and Chris Wakefield you should be ashamed for supporting the demolition of sound structures to be replaced with others of poor quality that will only last 20-30 yrs MAX ...All eyes are on YOU..!!!
lonelysurf
says...
3:02pm Mon 27 Aug 12
hrryseccombe
says...
3:02pm Mon 27 Aug 12
"The Boscombe restaurant is now seen an example of successful regeneration in the area.
Mr Hampton said the beautiful building, local connections, and the success of Urban Beach had convinced them to start up there."
Hmm succesful local business man says "beautiful building" councillors use the words hideous and "tear it down" and see the way forward for regeneration as building 43 small boxy 1 &2 bedroom hell holes, the slum housing of future Boscombe.
What do you think is Jay right that its a beautiful building or are the councillors aesthetic tastes more correct. Koh Thai is expanding and doing very well, Bournemouth Council is being rocked by one scandal after another and its outsourcing company Mouchel has just gone bankrupt.
Songul Bekir
says...
4:04pm Mon 27 Aug 12
For those unfamiliar with planning law this must be the FIRST consideration for any new development. I have an archive of photos that show Haviland Road (EAST and WEST) are clogged with cars at ALL times of day, as is Gladstone Road (the whole stretch). There is now yet a new development on Langton Road, one street across, and a development of flats on Ashley Road by Lovell which is clearly breaching planning regulations. All the councillors that have commented about parking in this article ignored my comments at the BBCA planning board meeting. Only one word can spring to mind and that is Hyppocrites!
Presumably because the Argos site is on a main road it is visible and identifiable, whereas the BCCA is tucked away in a side street in Boscombe East. Either way what Boscombe, EAST or WEST does not need is more cheap housing. Councillor Wakefield, shame on you, you do not consult the residents of Boscombe, ever. Boscombe needs some positivity, the planning board need to shake off their short-sighted goggles and see what is really going in this area. Democracy means that people get what they vote for, not what elected officials think is best for them. This area in the south has a strong military connection with a marine base in Poole. Our young men and women are being in killed in Afghanistan in the name of establishing democracy. I am sure those who have lost loved ones from this area would feel disgust at how their local council makes its planning decisions. We are supposed to be setting the bar not lowering it to new depths.
churchill gardens resident
says...
4:16pm Mon 27 Aug 12
Benniestewart
says...
4:28pm Mon 27 Aug 12
Does she have a Driveway
Does she own a Car
Does she have Off Road Parking
One things is for sure for shes far removed from her own Ward let alone Boscombe
pugs0404
says...
4:59pm Mon 27 Aug 12
any chance of that BBC I for one will not be voting for you again be better of with the Monster Raving Loony Party
SFF
says...
5:24pm Mon 27 Aug 12
SFF
says...
5:25pm Mon 27 Aug 12
pete woodley
says...
7:41pm Mon 27 Aug 12
pugs0404
says...
7:52pm Mon 27 Aug 12
mikeymagic
says...
8:21pm Mon 27 Aug 12
hrryseccombe
says...
12:21am Tue 28 Aug 12
SFF
says...
10:03am Tue 28 Aug 12
Families will not stay in tiny flats with no gardens and no parking, so to approve applications like this will only add to the transient nature of the area.
There is a wonderful community in Boscombe that is trying to improve the place in spite of the Council.
ILOVEBOURNEMOUTH
says...
12:08pm Tue 28 Aug 12
Tom 'Boscombe' Jones
says...
2:58pm Tue 28 Aug 12
om/watch?v=Ln7m_1Om8
Js
This ole house by shakey....
THIS OLE HOUSE - 28/03/1981
3 weeks at #1 - 17 weeks on chart
This ole house once knew his children
This ole house once knew a wife
This ole house was home and comfort
As we fought the storms of life
This old house once rang with laughter
This old house heard many shouts
Now she trembles in the darkness
When the lightnin' walks about
(Ain't a-gonna need this house no longer)
(Ain't a-gonna need this house no more)
Ain't got time to fix the shingles
Ain't a-got time to fix the floor
Ain't got time to oil the hinges
Nor to mend no windowpane
Ain't a-gonna need this house no longer
She's a-gettin' ready to meet the saints
This ole house is gettin' shaky
This ole house is gettin' old
This ole house lets in the rain
This ole house lets in the cold
On my knees I'm gettin' chilly
But I feel no fear nor pain
'Cause I see an angel peekin'
Through the broken windowpane
(Ain't a-gonna need this house no longer)
(Ain't a-gonna need this house no more)
Ain't got time to fix the shingles
Ain't a-got time to fix the floor
Ain't got time to oil the hinges
Nor to mend no windowpane
Ain't a-gonna need this house no longer
She's a-gettin' ready to meet the saints
This ole house is afraid of thunder
This ole house is afraid of storms
This ole house just groans and trembles
When the night wind flings out its arms
This ole house is gettin' feeble
This old house is needin' paint
Just like me it's tuckered out
But I'm a-gettin' ready to meet the saints
(Ain't a-gonna need this house no longer)
(Ain't a-gonna need this house no more)
Ain't got time to fix the shingles
Ain't got time to fix the floor
Ain't got time to oil the hinges
Nor to mend no windowpane
Ain't a-gonna need this house no longer
She's a-gettin' ready to meet the saints
(Ain't a-gonna need this house no longer)
(Ain't a-gonna need this house no more)
Ain't got time to fix the shingles
Ain't got time to fix the floor
Ain't got time to oil the hinges
Nor to mend no windowpane
Ain't a-gonna need this house no longer
She's a-gettin' ready to meet the saints
scouserdavewells
says...
3:30pm Tue 28 Aug 12
Tom 'Boscombe' Jones
says...
3:51pm Tue 28 Aug 12
scouserdavewells
says...
4:08pm Tue 28 Aug 12
Loo_44
says...
10:25pm Tue 28 Aug 12
Fair enough if it's for single people or couples but who in their right mind is going to want to live on the doorstep of the crescent anyway, especially with kids in tow!
Azphreal says...
9:13am Sun 26 Aug 12