Volunteer QC required for Town Green inquiry

Keep Wimborne Town Green (KWTG), which is pursuing its campaign to have the cricket ground in Wimborne, (now the location of Waitrose supermarket), designated as a Town Green is preparing for an inquiry.

The organisation submitted a Town Green application in September last year, to Dorset County Council.  Philip Atlay, chairman of KWTG said, “Waitrose was made aware of this on 2 October but decided to build on the Cricket Ground anyway, aware that it was doing so 'at its own risk'.  

“Clearly, Waitrose calculated that once the store was in place and trading, the town would accept it and opposition would fade, accordingly it opened almost three months ahead of the published opening date.  

“The reaction has been interesting.  It can now be clearly seen that the development is 'gross and incongruous' as described by the EDDC's Consultant Architect.  I would describe the building as a 'planning obscenity.'  I have spoken to many shopkeepers and improved trading as a result of increased footfall in the town has not happened - yet. The volume of traffic using King Street and West Street has, however, increased noticeably at some times on some days.  

“My experience is that the reaction of townspeople to the development depends upon whether they value the appearance and atmosphere of Wimborne - the town, or whether they simply like having another shop to go to.  

“May I remind that KWTG has never opposed a second supermarket in Wimborne nor had a quarrel with Waitrose.  What we have opposed is development on a site that was a visual amenity unique to the town, within its Conservation Area and that was designated as an Open Space.”

It is expected that an inquiry process will be implemented.  Professional legal representation will be required and Philip Atlay has appealed for a volunteer QC to come forward, for a modest fee, to represent KWTG.