Memorandum by Bournemouth Borough Council
(TF 57)
In response to the suggestion that the number
of fairs have been severely reduced as a result of town centre
redevelopment in Bournemouth and Poole, I am only aware of one
particular fair who operated during the Easter, Whitsun and Summer
Holidays on Bournemouth Seafront.
The funfair operator was originally awarded
the contract in 1994 for one year for the Easter, Whitsun and
Summer Holiday period. The contract was renewed on an annual basis
as the site had been designated for a major leisure development,
which the operator was aware of at all times. In 1997, when the
leisure developer was secured, the operation moved to another
site within the Pier Approach area of Bournemouth known as the
West Beach site. Again the contract was awarded on a year to year
basis because a leisure developer was also being sought for this
site. The funfair contractor was there for one year until a leisure
developer was found. The Council considered there were no other
options to relocate the funfair and instead planning permission
was eventually given for one carousel ride to operate in the Pier
Approach area during Easter, Whitsun and Summer Holiday periods.
The funfair operator was always aware the future
of the funfair was unlikely to be secured as the Council was looking
for a major developer on both the sites. The attraction proved
very popular with tourists and residents, hence the reason to
continue with a funfair ride on the Seafront.
Two other funfairs operate during the Whitsun
Bank Holiday and Summer period at Kings Park Bournemouth. Both
the Council and the local community have no major concerns regarding
funfairs. Policy and management arrangements are in place to minimise
any in convenience, particularly noise nuisance from PA and sound
systems.
In consultation with the Planning Department.
I have been advised that Bournemouth Borough Council's Local Plan
does not at present take account of the needs of travelling show
people. The reasons for this at present are:
(i) the Authority works closely with other
neighbouring authorities within the conurbation who do have measures
in place with which Bournemouth takes a similar view; and
(ii) Bournemouth is also heavily developed
as an urban area. It is therefore unlikely that there will be
suitable sites available in the future for funfairs to operate.
March 2000
| 
