A community consultation by the Broomhill Forum in 2003 showed 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, traffic and parking headed the list of dislikes. Next came litter, fly-posting and graffiti, overdevelopment and loss of family houses to multiple occupation, and fast-food takeaways.

Residents hoped 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 introduced and effectively enforced; for there to be no further increase in multiple occupancy. Not surprisingly, the fears expressed were the mirror image of the hopes: unchecked growth in multiple occupancy and property development, and in traffic and deterioration of shopping amenity. There seemed to be mixed feelings about students: whilst contributing to the vitality of the area, many feared further growth in their numbers.

People want houses remaining in single 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.

For BANG, this community feedback reinforces our aims. Stronger protection is needed of the residential, environmental and shopping amenities of the Broomhill Conservation Area we have fought to defend against the tide of multiple occupancy and excessive traffic. 

In these photo galleries we have attempted to encapsulate the best and worst of Broomhill, things we value and want to protect, and things we dislike and want to improve. Take a look, then join BANG to give us your views!