When is a garden not a garden?

In the government's world, a garden can be a “brownfield site” when it comes to planning. In Bournemouth, there has already been an impact from this and it seems that local councillors are steadily losing their authority to shape planning policy. With developers only too aware of central government’s priorities, it is harder and harder to prevent the demolition of older houses and the splitting up of gardens.

Central control shows its face with the South West Regional Assembly, an unelected quango which the Conservatives would abolish. Its power to impose housing targets is a real threat to local democracy. You only have to look in the letters pages of the Daily Echo to see just how frustrated and powerless local residents feel. However, your local councillors play an important part in making sure that everything possible is done to prevent inappropriate development. Watch out for the orange planning notices and get in touch with your councillors if you want to get your views known. They have the expertise to help get your voice heard.

Marks & Spencer

In the last issue we reported on the news that Waitrose would be closing their store in Westbourne. Despite every effort on the part of the ward councillors, Waitrose decided to move their store to Ashley Road in Parkstone. Waitrose had been a prominent feature at the heart of the shopping area of the ward for over thirty years and The Village is aware that many residents feared for the economic future of Westbourne.

However, since our last issue Marks & Spencer have announced that they are to develop the old Waitrose store into one of their Simply Food stores. This is excellent news for Westbourne and no doubt local people will be pleased that the hard work of the Westbourne traders and ward councillors has paid off in securing the ideal food outlet for the area.

Councillor John Beesley spoke to The Village, ''We are delighted that M&S have decided to open in Westbourne. They responded well to being approached and quickly saw the opportunity not just for commercial benefit but also to become the anchor store in a unique shopping area that needed a traditional food outlet''. The Village editor Ian Newport added “This will prove to be an excellent decision by Marks & Spencer. Such a store will serve not just the resident of Westbourne but the many people who travel into Westbourne from Poole and the surrounding areas. I imagine Marks & Spencer would be the first choice for most people here”.