THERE have been several letters published in the Daily Echo regarding the plans to convert the land around Hicks Farm into a suitable natural green space, referred to as a SANG.

This would be a way of using the land which has been described as ‘the last bastion of rurality’ or ‘the last wild space’. into a nature park which would be open for the residents of Bournemouth to visit for education and leisure.

The proposal for this SANG was strongly objected to by the residents of the area, with more than 200 letters of objection.

In spite of the planning officers’ recommendation for approval, the BCP councillors rejected the plan saying their refusal reflected the views of the people living in the area.

A few of the councillors did not agree with the refusal, one of whom raised the issue that the council’s failure to provide a SANG would delay the building of large-scale residential developments planned in Bournemouth centre, which cannot be started until a SANG is approved.

These developments would provide many homes.

Currently BCP council are looking for areas to build more houses.

It is being said that moving into green belt areas is the only way to make up the shortfall against the Government targets.

The council has agreed that every green belt site put forward by developers be included in the Local Plan. Throop is included in this list.

In view of this threat, the development of the area as a SANG which would retain the natural beauty of this green space, would be a sensible way to protect it from having a residential development being built upon it.

It would be a natural space which could be enjoyed by the residents of Bournemouth.

Once having been designated for house building the residents of the area will have no say in the matter.

The residents may object, the local councillors may object, but once it has been designated as a development area they would be overruled by Central Government.

Perhaps the residents should withdraw their objections to a SANG at Hicks Farm area.

Which would be preferable, a SANG or a housing development?

The provision of a SANG at Hicks Farm would produce less intrusion throughout the year than a housing development which would produce constant movement and noise from occupiers. Also, a SANG would be of value to the wider community.

In my opinion a SANG would be a huge improvement for the locality.

ELAINE COOPER

Admirals Walk, West Cliff Road