8:00am Tuesday 9th February 2010
NUMBER 37 Sandbourne Road is a family house on the Branksome Dene estate, built in 1928 in Cape Dutch style with a distinctive blue roof.
Two years ago, when the future of the house became uncertain, Bournemouth Civic Society unsuccessfully sought help from our local listing dept, English Heritage and The 20th Century Society. “Interesting but not special enough” was the overall opinion.
The submitted plans for a replacement house brought forth 27 objections and it was turned down by the planning board 9-1. Incidentally, it had been recommended for approval by planning officers.
These same plans were appealed to the inspector and dismissed (a paragraph in Saturday’s Echo states the reason being that it was higher than the existing house).
It is in fact lower in height.
It was dismissed because it does not sit well in the existing street scene and would harm the character and appearance of the area.
That planning objection was the main theme in every one of those 27 letters.
Bournemouth Civic Society is not just a conservation group.
Our remit is to ensure that if any house is to be demolished, its replacement will suitably enhance the road’s character and sit well with its neighbours.
Jean Bird, vice chair, Bournemouth Civic Society, Sandbourne Road, Bournemouth
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