IT SEEMS that even historic local landmarks like Canford Manor cannot escape the clutches of modern day housing expansion, which under the orders of central government offers up a build, build, build solution to a population crisis that politicians cannot control.

Pockets of land that separate one conurbation from another, and will be lost, and the twee assumption that making people ride a bike or take the bus to work will in some way negate upheaval and environmental damage is laughable.

On the opposite side of one coin there are outlined plans for the demolition of Barclays House in Poole, which I would imagine would be replaced by a complex that would include properties or businesses that would be expensive in costs, to offset the huge bill involved in its removal and rebuild.

With a building already in-situ, why doesn’t BCP Council buy the site and maybe partition off each floor into flats?

This would save on demolition and any possible environmental damage and could offer affordable accommodation to say, emergency workers. And there would be the added bonus of its tenants actually being able to cycle or walk to work, and maybe helping in the fight to leave Cruxton Farm exactly as it is today. Or is it about money?

BOB WOODLAND

Cavan Crescent, Poole