A row has broken out over housing developer Barratts changing the name of their development on Pan estate.
Last summer, what was previously known as Pan Meadows was renamed by Barratts to Bluebell Meadows.
Barratts: “Bluebell Meadows is simply a marketing name”
When asked why the name was changed and what comment the developer had for those residents unhappy about it, James Dunne, Barratt Homes technical director, told OnTheWight,
“The Pan Management Company Community Interest Company has been established now for a number of years. This Community Interest Company is at the very heart of the integration with the existing PAN community and serves a specific purpose towards guaranteeing an integrated neighbourhood. Bluebell Meadows is simply a marketing name.
“To coincide with the launch of a very successful range of new home styles a little over 12 months ago, the marketing name of the development was changed to Bluebell Meadows. In addition to the name change the marketing imagery was updated and also re-coloured for the launch of the exciting new range.”
Name chosen by residents
As readers may remember, back in 2010, the name Pan Meadows was chosen by existing Pan residents as part of a consultation run by the former Pan Neighbourhood Partnership.
Cllr Lumley told OnTheWight,
“Barratts applied and were selected to be the chosen developer for Pan Meadows on the basis of support for full integration with existing Pan.”
To be fully integrated with Pan community
Indeed, at the time, Leader of the Isle of Wight council, David Pugh, said
“I think the name is very appropriate given that it reflects the rural feel we are all trying to achieve in this development.
“It also maintains the name Pan which again is important because we are keen to fully integrate the new homes with the existing Pan community.”
Residents feel ignored by Barratts
Cllr Lumley told OnTheWight today,
“Ever since they started the development Barratts have moved away from the integration model and the unilateral name change was symbolic of that.
“Residents at Pan Meadows in my experience are generally relaxed about the name of the development. But residents of pre-existing Pan are not happy, having been consulted and then ignored.
“It is seen as the separation from Pan that no one wanted at the concept stage for the new development.”
“Legacy of the venture”
James Dunne from Barratts finished by saying,
“What is really important here is the legacy of this venture. The PAN Management Company will serve a primary purpose, long after the marketing name has been forgotten, and by agreement with key stakeholders, to act as the driver for safeguarding the Legacy of PAN as an integrated community.”
Image: © Barratts
