Today I had a meeting in Southampton and also some business in Ethelburt Avenue, so drove around the Estate. I wanted to compliment the Residents Association on its appearance - I know many people work to maintain the road and verges and I was impressed by the absence of potholes, the grass verge growing up and the new planting of trees. The gardens also gave a real feeling that the Estate was cared for! Perhaps the value of the houses will go rocketing up with such well kept surroundings.
Please thank everyone.

Recently a planning application for a carport was refused because “The proposed carport, due to the design and materials used, would be an incongruous feature which would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the Ethelburt Avenue Conservation Area”. When walking along the road, we see not only the front of the properties but also the sides. Do we want this view spoilt by the addition of a car-port or, as Prince Charles would say, a car-buncle on the side elevation? A carport is a skeletal structure which only presents the edge of the roof and its supporting posts to the passerby. Whether such an addition could be acceptable will depend on its design and the style of the house. Herbert Collins designed his houses not separately but as one of a group and when making alterations it is essential to consider how this will fit in with the neighbouring houses.

A related problem is the disappearance of front gardens. However beautiful your back garden may be, it is the front garden that should be a delight to the community. This problem has been recognised in the Design Guidance for the Conservation Area: “In recent years, demand for off-street parking has increased pressures for additional garages, hardstandings and driveways. Care should be taken to ensure that provision for parking does not erode the semi-rural appearance of the Estate as a result of the introduction of additional hard surfaces and associated loss of planting.” Don’t turn your front garden into a petrol-station forecourt. A mix of gravelled areas, paving, lawn and plants can provide increased parking space without making the hard surface overly dominant. Perhaps a good way to get ideas is to look at some garden design books, such as “Designing your Ideal Garden” by David Stevens.

Note that an impervious hard surface may require planning permission.

Plant, Cake and Book Sale/Annual Tennis Club Open Day
SLTC will be holding a sale of plants, homemade cakes and books on Saturday 8 May at the Club, starting at 1.30 p.m. This will also be the Club’s Open Day (starting at 2.30 p.m.) giving non-members the opportunity to come along and have a game for free. All are welcome.