NIMBY row over plans for new park and farm near Longham

The Throop residents are opposed to BCP Council’s scheme for Hicks Farm.

As reported on Friday, the council plans to create a 12 hectare ‘SANG’ (suitable alternative natural greenspace) on the land, with a planning application due to be submitted in the autumn.

The new park would become the ‘gateway’ to the council’s Stour Valley trail between Hengistbury Head and Longham and aim to attract dog walkers and cyclists. Part of Hicks Farm is also earmarked to become a community attraction with a café and farm shop.

Julie-Anne Houldey and Toby Blackmore, of the Throop Village Conservation Group, are concerned the council’s plans would harm the village, which is a conservation area, and also wildlife along the River Stour where ‘beach’ areas for dog walkers could be created.

“We appreciate that many people will be impressed by the description the council gives of greater access to the countryside and outdoor pursuits.

"We would ask that people think long and hard about the consequences. This is absolutely not NIMBYism – Throop Village is an area that is already enjoyed by many who do not live here without the need for it to be made into a public park. This is an amazing part of old Bournemouth and once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. Surely, we need to protect and nurture our heritage and wildlife, not trample and commercialise it.”

Mr Blackmore said traffic through Throop village had already increased by a quarter over the past couple of years, and there were concerns about how the infrastructure would cope with the additional traffic for the Hicks Farm park.

“We have suggested a very viable alternative for a major gateway to the Stour Valley by building a car park and visitor centre on council-owned landed adjacent to Cherry Trees Nursery,” he said.

“This is the start of the nature reserve, has ideal road access and is not close to any residential properties to cause disturbance.”