CONCERNS that the new Verwood Community Centre will be a magnet for antisocial behaviour and out of keeping with the area have resulted in plans being tweaked.

Although the majority of residents have welcomed proposals for a new £2.5 million building to serve their community, some officials feared it would be too dark and dingy and that outside areas could become a trouble hotspot.

Vic Hickman, an architectural liaison officer for Dorset Police, described the potential for the building becoming an unofficial gathering area and a target for criminal or antisocial behaviour.

In an agenda to go before East Dorset District Council on Tuesday, he states: "The proposal to include a covered area and potential graffiti wall adjacent to the main doors causes particular concern and I would suggest that the necessity of the inclusion of these features be carefully considered.

"Potentially vulnerable areas of the building will not be open to view from the surrounding buildings."

He's urged against neighbours erecting high fences and discourages planting of tall shrubs within the development in a bid to keep the sight-line clear - all points which planners say they're taking on board with a range of proposed conditions.

Councillors are due to visit the site of the proposed centre at Baker's Farm on Tuesday.

The planned building comprises two new halls, one of which will be a bespoke theatre for 300 people, the other a multi-purpose area for up to 100 people, commercial kitchen and servery area, changing rooms, workshop and toilets.

There'll also be a large covered area outside to serve as a meeting place before entering the building and a car park with room for around 96 cars. It will be easily accessible from the newly opened Verwood Distributor Road.

Planners are recommending the scheme for approval and say amended plans have been received in response to concerns, which alter the form of the entrance canopy and reduce the amount of brick to make it less dingy.

Planning chiefs conclude in the agenda: "The modern design is considered to be an opportunity to lift the quality of the Baker's Farm area and present Verwood with a suitable building that can be the focus of community life."

First published: May 12