On behalf of Bletchley Park Area Residents Association (BPARA), we have the following comments on the Conservation Review:
We question how effective a conservation area is on any proposed new development(s) as the Conservation Review Draft Management Plan states:
1. “The Council will normally refuse applications for development that are deemed to be inconsistent with national and local plan policies intended to protect designation conservation areas from insensitive change”. This is ironic as the Review proposes that recent “contemporary” housing which fail to sustain or reinforce prevailing character of conservation area be excluded;
2. “Whilst there are a variety of boundaries within the conservation area close-boarded fencing is generally absent, and “The council will encourage boundary treatments that follow those of adjacent buildings where they reinforce local character. The use of close boarded fencing and metal railings will normally be discouraged”. There are 3 eyesores in the Conservation Area, albeit under private ownership, which do not create a first good impression to Bletchley visitors, and are a thorn in the side for residents living close by – these are:
o The Cricket Pavilion area with metal fencing
o Old Canteen with metal fencing,
o G Block with poor quality boarding unlikely to survive the winter.
3. “The Council will normally refuse applications for development that are deemed to be inconsistent with national and local plan policies intended to protects designation conservation areas from insensitive change” and “The council will seek to work positively with the Bletchley Park Trust to manage the buildings of, and spaces within, the Bletchley Park site sensitively and effectively so as to retain them for the insights they provide into the achievements that took place there during World War Two”. Bletchley Park Trust received little support from MK Council or the Government in days gone by when it was struggling to survive and was forced to sell off land for housing. Although MK Council opposed the nature of this housing, the secretary of State allowed an appeal by the developer who had no regard for the Conservation Area and local historical connections. The present management/trustee board, with support from the National Lottery and business, have done a superb job in making the site a national treasure with 250,000+ visitors per year and an important component of the school curriculum. Sadly, despite an enforcement order, MK Council has allowed Bletchley Park Capital Partners, owners of G Block and The Old Canteen, to ignore all the Section 215 requirement (apart from the last item) to
o Remove debris and vegetation from the surrounding areas.
o Ensure that the doors and windows were sufficiently secure to prevent unauthorised access. No original features to G Block must be removed or altered in securing the doors and windows.
o Erect hoarding around G Block to a height of 10 ft. to prevent unauthorised access – see also above.
In addition, we question the accuracy of information on page 5 of the Review:
“Wilton Hall is in commercial use as a conference and banqueting suite whilst the canteen lies abandoned with as yet unrealised potential to contribute to the enhancement of Bletchley Park albeit in a new use.” Wilton Hall no longer functions as a conference and banqueting suite and an application be a developer to demolish the building and replace with housing was refused on appeal in August. The original owner has died and the future is uncertain, although West Bletchley Council are looking at whether it should be registered as a Public Asset. The Old Canteen has no connection with Bletchley Park Trust, and the Trust has no desire to take back this building owned, as stated above by Bletchley Park Capital Partners.
December 2019
Bletchley Conservation Area draft review document
Bletchley Conservation Area maps
