Community consultation shows that what people like
most about Broomhill are its shops and amenities,
its diverse community, its ready access to both
city and countryside, its architectural and
Victorian character, its friendliness and village
feel, and its green-ness. By some margin, noise, traffic
and parking head the list of dislikes. Next comes
litter, fly-posting and graffiti, overdevelopment
and loss of family houses to multiple occupation,
and fast-food takeaways.
Residents hope that in future Broomhill will retain its best features and lose some of its
worst: will remain a mixed, diverse, vibrant
community retaining its historic character and
amenities; for traffic to be reduced and parking
controls effectively enforced; for
there to be no further increase in multiple
occupancy. Not surprisingly, the fears expressed are the mirror image of the hopes: unchecked
growth in multiple occupancy and property
development, and in traffic and deterioration of
shopping amenity. There are mixed
feelings about students: whilst contributing to the
vitality of the area, many fear further growth in
their numbers.
People want houses remaining in family
occupation, a balanced, diverse and tolerant
community, a less congested and more
pedestrian-friendly environment, cleaner streets,
conservation of the Victorian heritage and green
spaces, and better quality and diversity of shops.
They feel we need to build a clearer
understanding between
students and other residents, about being better
neighbours, about transport issues and the impact
of our own travel decisions, about the Council's
plans for the area as well as the University's
plans for its student housing, and about how best
to safeguard the delicate balance between the
diverse interest groups with a stake in
Broomhill.