Vision for the 1990's - TrustNews February 1990
The UK Congress of Amenity Societies organised by the Civic Trust, was held at Christchurch, Oxford on the weekend of 15th/17th September 1989, attended by a representative of Winchester Preservation Trust. Speakers dealt particularly with the three themes of Housing, Transport and Shopping, with predictions covering the next ten years.
It was generally felt that there would be considerable increase in house building during this period, and in the South East alone, something like 250,000 new houses would be needed. This was not because of any possible increase in population, but by reason of the increase in single families and the fact that we are all living longer. It was considered that this additional housing could best be accommodated in new villages or small towns where community facilities could also be provided.
A considerable increase in the volume of traffic was also forecast. This might be dealt with by an increase in road making, particularly new motorways, and by utilising the railways to better advantage, although it was pointed out that railways could never cope with more than about 10% of overall traffic. The contention that new motorways would generate more traffic was discounted by speakers who maintained that they would take existing traffic off less suitable roads. Concerning parking, it was felt that some town centre parking was needed to preserve the existing shopping, but that the main parking should be on the perimeters of towns. Park and Ride was discussed briefly, and it was pointed out that this was working well in Oxford, but may not be the solution to the traffic problems in every town. Circumstances varied from town to town, and in certain seaside towns, for example, where there were seasonal variations in traffic, it was only needed during the summer months.
Concerning shopping, the general opinion of the Congress was in favour of supermarkets on the outskirts of towns, particularly those which dealt mainly with food and could provide parking facilities, but some smaller town representatives took an opposite view, and considered that they could adversely affect existing shopping in the town centre. It was felt that small specialised shops were needed in the centre of larger towns, which would not attract an excessive amount of traffic; but in the smaller towns a divergence of shopping facilities may be more appropriate.
Planning trends were also discussed, and it was considered that elected representatives were beginning to have more influence over planning decisions than their officers, not always to the advantage of planning. The considerable interest, and it was considered that they were not sufficiently protected under current legislation. The recent Steinburg Case was quoted as being of great importance, which ruled that new development must actually enhance a Conservation Area, rather than just maintain its status quo. Also the preparation of local statutory plans by the Planning Authority was stressed as being of vital importance in the protection of the environment. It was proposed that all Societies should write to Mr Chris Patten asking for strong measures to protect Conservation Areas, and this is a matter which very much concerns the Winchester Preservation Trust. Perhaps the same protection could be afforded to key buildings in a Conservation Area as is given to Listed Buildings.
One of the most important functions of the Civic Trust is to assist and further the influence of Amenity Societies throughout the British Isles. There are about 1,000 of these Societies representing some 300,000 members, and all areas of the country are now represented, from small villages to large towns.