New Forest Church Seeks CCTV

Members of St Mary Magdalene in Church Lane seeking content to install CCTV cameras to protect the historic church from vandals.

12:28 09 January 2020

Members of St Mary Magdalene are urging planning chiefs to protect the historic structure from vandals by installing CCTV cameras and placing stainless steel grilles over two windows on either side of the entrance. The proposal comes following an incident in which vandals targeted one of the windows that caused “unsightly and depressing” damage.

 

 

 

In a statement, the members said: “There will be some harm in placing CCTV cameras where they can be seen but benefits of the cameras will clearly outweigh the harm by protecting the buildings.

 

 

 

“The outward appearance of the church will not alter significantly if wiring routes and camera positions are sympathetically considered.”

 

 

 

New Forest District Council's initial assessment of the application says: “The CCTV system would comprise four cameras positioned in order to achieve maximum visibility around the building.

 

 

 

“The wire mesh protection is proposed to be fitted to the two windows either side of the main entrance and is intended to offer protection from vandalism.

 

 

 

“The applicant acknowledges that some harm will arise from both elements of the scheme but feels the harm would be outweighed by the benefits of protecting the building.

 

 

 

“The main issue is the visual impact of the cameras and mesh on the listed building, the conservation area and the wider area.”