Monksilver, Elworthy, Nettlecombe & Stogumber Parishes. Feedback Summary Report

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1 Monksilver, Elworthy, Nettlecombe & Stogumber Parishes Feedback Summary Report

2 A drawing from the youth consultations at Dunster First School

3 This summary report sets out the key findings from the Your Future Exmoor event for your parish. A full report with the detailed results and comments has been sent to your parish council and is also available to view on our website. If you have any views on this report please let us know by filling in the comments sheet at the end of the report and sending it to: Policy and Community Team Exmoor National Park Authority Exmoor House Dulverton Somerset TA22 9HL Or your comments to: ldf@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk BY FRIDAY 1 st OCTOBER At the end of this report there is also a form where, if you wish, you can provide your contact details to be notified of future consultations as the plan progresses, including Topic Group discussions.

4 Monksilver, Elworthy, Nettlecombe & Stogumber Your Future Exmoor Event Feedback Report Introduction The Monksilver, Elworthy, Nettlecombe and Stogumber, Your Future Exmoor Event was held on the Tuesday 9 th March 2010 in the EMN Village Hall. The event was organised by the Exmoor National Park Authority with the help of the associated Parish Councils as part of the preparation of the Exmoor National Park Development Framework which is replacing the Local Plan. The event provided the opportunity for local people to have a say in the planning of their community and the National Park as a whole. We would like to acknowledge the valuable input from the local community and we appreciate the representations that were made by those who attended the event. This report summarises what was said at the event. We would like you (whether you attended the event or not) to let us know your views on the issues, options and comments contained in this feedback report. Attendance The event was attended by 30 people - this represents 11% of the population invited to attend. The majority were from Monksilver parish with 9 people from Nettlecombe and 1 person from Elworthy parish. There were 5 people from other parishes including Old Cleeve, Sampford Brett and Minehead. The bar chart below shows the age structure of people who attended the event. Monksilver, Elworthy, Nettlecombe & Stogumber Parishes Age Range Female Male No. of People 4

5 Young People s Consultation Workshops were held with young people in all the schools within the National Park which included 6 first schools, 3 primary schools and 1 middle school. The workshops were designed to identify their priorities for the National Park and local communities the children s work was displayed at the community events. There were further consultations with students attending West Somerset Community College, Ilfracombe Arts & Media College and North Devon College. Feedback to the schools on how their work will be incorporated into the Plans was provided in July Your Future Exmoor Consultation Everyone that came along to an event were met by a member of the Authority staff and introduced to the layout of the event. People could make their views in a variety of ways and spend as much or as little time as they wished depending on which topics they were interested in. A number of display boards divided into seven different topics were placed around the hall. Each topic included a number of issues with various options. People were invited to show which options they agreed or disagreed with by sticking pins into the boards and were also encouraged to make suggestions or comments on post-it notes. An example of how people could make their views at the Your Future Exmoor events. 5

6 There were also a series of flags which represented a number of specific themes for each topic, such as a flag to indicate that mobile phone signal was needed in a particular location. The flags could be placed in a number of maps that were set out as part of the event these were: a settlement map of Monksilver with inset maps for Elworthy and Nettlecombe, a parish map of the areas of Monksilver, Elworthy, Nettlecombe and Stogumber that are within the National Park, and a map of Exmoor National Park. What You Said Overall Response The rest of this report shows how many pins were put into each of the options on display and summarises the comments that were made on post-it notes and flags. The level of interest in the seven topics was fairly balanced, however those which attracted the most attention were: climate change, housing, economy & employment and transport & infrastructure. As people were introduced to the event we asked them to place a flag where they lived on any of the maps displayed and to indicate if they had mobile phone coverage or broadband. There were 20 flags representing the number of households attending the event. Mobile Phone Coverage 17 flags indicated the number of households at the event that had mobile phone reception while 3 did not. The most frequent network available was Vodafone. Broadband 15 flags placed in the maps showed those households with a broadband connection of whom: 1 said their service was fast and reliable, 7 said the service was average and 7 indicated it was slow and patchy. KEY FINDINGS Natural Environment Views were expressed for all questions on the boards with particular interest in the issues for manmade structures in the landscape, conserving wildlife and coastal development. The majority view was that there were too many overhead wires and electricity poles/pylons. A number of people were happy to see more wind turbines and mobile phone masts. Combe Sydenham was identified as an area which should be left free of manmade structures. 6

7 Williton was identified as a location where street lighting could be reduced particularly floodlighting at the school playing field. Particular comments also identified that there were too many street lights in Pond Orchard, Monksilver. On the whole people mainly agreed with the current approach to protecting wildlife and habitats including some support for extending and linking habitats to help wildlife adapt to the impacts of climate change. A specific comment related to reducing the need to cut hedges so often. There was a general level of agreement to protecting the coast, although comments suggested that renewable energy out at sea should not be ruled out. Cultural Environment There were opinions expressed for all questions on the boards - issues regarding settlement character, historic buildings, sustainable building design, and local distinctiveness, had the most interest. There was general agreement to current approach of supporting the enhancement of Exmoor s settlements, particularly working with communities to support enhancement projects and increasing protection given to buildings in conservation areas. However, most people did not think that Monksilver (or Elworthy/Nettlecombe) should have a conservation area. A number of people supported working with owners to put back original features, producing design guidance for historic buildings and setting up a local list of important unlisted buildings which would protect them from harmful changes. The current approach to sustainable building design received the most support allowing some flexibility in the modern interpretation of traditional designs and encouraging energy efficiency measures. Requiring an energy audit for proposed buildings was also popular. Most people approved of the option to allow the re-opening of former quarries to supply local building stone in the National Park. Peoples comments were generally supportive of ensuring that the design and materials of new buildings fit in with the local traditional character. A number of comments expressed support of using natural/sustainable materials. A need to reduce the heating costs for the EMN Hall was also highlighted. Climate Change & Natural Resources There was a general level of interest expressed for all questions on the boards, particularly for those issues regarding carbon neutrality, renewable energy technologies, adapting to sea level rise and waste. The key points were: The majority of options proposed to achieve a carbon neutral National Park were supported, including the use of sustainable construction methods for existing buildings, reducing the need to travel and maximising the potential for carbon sinks, such as planting trees and restoring moorland/mires. 7

8 There was support for a number of renewable energy technologies at a variety of scales, and a preference for ground source heat pumps for individual properties in particular. Community-scale hydropower was also popular. The majority of people approved of the option to ensure that renewable energy technologies do not harm the National Park and therefore did not think that large commercial scale wind turbines should be considered in the National Park. Ensuring that future development is located outside existing/future areas of flood risk was considered the most important option to adapt to the effects of climate change. Encouraging the use of grey water recycling and sustainable drainage systems and porous surfacing in new development were also popular options. There was support for improving the understanding of the effects of climate change on the coast and not allowing development in areas at risk of coastal change. The reduction and disposal of waste was a popular issue, with many indicating their approval of ensuring the re-use of existing buildings and providing for local and domestic facilities to recycle waste. Most people supported the option to work with others to avoid and address pollution issues within the National Park. Settlements Views were expressed for a number of questions on the boards with particular interest in the most suitable locations for new development and the protection and availability of community services. Other points of interest were: In terms of where new development should be located, the majority of people thought that all identified settlements should be treated equally rather than the settlement hierarchy that is currently in place. However, this conflicted with the fact that many people thought that new development should be located in settlements with a wide range of services and/or public transport links. Monksilver and Woodford were identified as locations that should not be an identified settlement i.e. these locations are not considered to be suitable for further new build development, but conversions and changes of use could still apply to existing buildings. Monksilver has very few key services that serve the local population such as the shared facility EMN Hall. The Notley Arms had recently closed at the time of the event but local people were hopeful that it would reopen soon this was identified as a service which should be protected. Other services such as petrol stations and supermarkets were accessed at Williton, Minehead and Taunton. It was also evident that the internet was used by some for shopping occasionally. Public transport and a shop were local services which were needed in the parishes. Many people approved of the current approach of supporting a mixed or flexible use of buildings to continue important services such as village 8

9 shops and post offices and ensuring that new facilities are designed so other services can be provided. The issue of green space in local communities showed some conflict regarding whether or not there were enough recreation areas nearby some indicated that more allotments were needed. Woodford was identified as a location where a park/recreation area was needed. Areas of important trees included Bird s Hill and Kings Wood. Support for planning contributions that would benefit the community, through the provision of public green space was also evident. Housing There was a general level interest in the provision of affordable housing in the National Park. The main points of interest were: There was overwhelming support for affordable housing for to meet the needs of local communities in the National Park. People mainly agreed with the current approach regarding who should be able to access local affordable housing (see the Current Access to Local Needs Affordable Housing fact box below). The option with the most support was affordable housing for people who have lived in a parish/adjoining parish for 10 continuous years. Most people thought that people should have lived locally 5-9 years to access affordable housing, although 10 or more years was also popular. The most favoured option for the local area that people should have lived in to access affordable housing was, the parish and/or its adjoining parish. Care workers were suggested as the type of workers who should qualify for affordable. All the options presented to meet the housing needs of an ageing population, were supported - the most popular included providing affordable housing for carers to live near elderly or disabled relatives with a local connection. Many of the options presented for managing the size and design of new self-build housing were supported, including the requirement for planning permission for extensions or additional buildings in the garden of affordable homes to ensure they remain of a size which is affordable. In addressing the issue of low-impact living (see fact box below) the general outcome was to support existing policies for local affordable housing that allow new-build affordable housing within or next to settlements and conversions of existing buildings in hamlets or farmsteads. A number of comments in the housing section were made by representatives from Falcon Rural Housing (a Housing Association) and do not necessarily represent the community s views on housing. 9

10 Economy & Employment Views were expressed for all questions on the boards with particular interest in the issues for improving employment opportunities in the National Park whilst maintaining a positive relationship with Exmoor s landscape and wildlife, including support for businesses dependent on tourism. The main points of interest regarding the issues for the economy and employment were: There was overall support for the majority of options put forward to improve employment opportunities particularly the options that help people stay or return to Exmoor by encouraging a greater variety of businesses, and prioritising affordable homes for local people of working age. There was agreement to encouraging land and buildings for traditional/sustainable businesses, and allowing premises for businesses through conversions or new build in settlements which are linked to providing traditional building materials, local produce and processing agricultural/forestry products. New buildings for farms or farm diversification businesses were supported where the need can be proven. People generally supported a flexible approach to farm diversification businesses which re-used existing traditional or modern buildings. Most people thought that new build business premises should be located in settlements with a wide range of services and facilities, rather than the current approach which enables new business premises within or next to any settlements. However, there was support for the extension of existing businesses in any location. A flexible approach to the location of businesses was favoured rather than specifically allocating land for such use. Flexible options for home-working were supported such as: allowing homeworking in houses, converted or new outbuildings, or through the provision of some small extensions shared facilities for home workers to use IT or hold meetings was also popular. There was widespread support for most of the options presented to increase tourism s contribution to the local economy particularly encouraging recreation and education facilities to promote the quiet enjoyment of Exmoor and facilities for local producers to supply tourism businesses. There was some concern expressed regarding the number of game shoots and their proximity to residential properties. Allowing self-catering accommodation through the conversion of traditional buildings on farms was the most popular location indicated. There was clear support for allowing holiday-lets (i.e. where there is a planning condition so the unit cannot be occupied as a permanent dwelling) to become local affordable housing, but require planning permission to revert to a holiday let. The most popular option for the location of new hotels and guest houses (through the conversion of existing buildings) was anywhere in the National Park. In relation to this issue, allowing hotels to accommodate staff within their existing premises or through extensions, received the majority of support. 10

11 The most appropriate use for unviable hotels/guesthouses was considered to be a mix of housing (including affordable), employment and community uses depending on viability and location. Transport & Infrastructure There was a general level of interest in all the issues presented in this topic most specifically people were interested in public transport provision and issues regarding the provision of utilities and infrastructure in the National Park. The key points from the results were: There was clear support for the option to encourage providers to retain, improve and promote public transport provision. Comments suggested better links to Taunton including using the West Somerset Railway as a commuter service. A suggestion was made to provide a footpath between Yarde and Woodford. A number of people supported working with the highways authorities to address traffic speed, congestion and parking within settlements; a specific comment related to the number of speed signs in the area. There was support for reflecting local circumstances in relation to the provision of parking in new developments. There was clear support for undergrounding new electricity lines in the National Park and working with highways authorities to minimise road infrastructure and signage. A flag was placed to reduce signage opposite Orchard House in Monksilver. A positive response was evident towards seeking complete mobile/broadband coverage of the National Park and improving the speed and quality of the service. 11

12 Preparing a New Plan for Exmoor SCOPING ISSUES & OPTIONS (DEC 2008 JAN 2009) YOUTH CONSULTATION AUTUMN 2009 ISSUES & OPTIONS ONGOING CONSULTATION COMMUNITY EVENTS (JAN MAR 2010) STAKEHOLDER EVENT (MAY 2010) TOPIC GROUP DISCUSSIONS (AUTUMN 2010) PARKLIFE RESIDENTS QUESTIONNAIRE NOV 2009 VISITOR QUESTIONNAIRE DRAFT PLAN CONSULTATION 2011 NATIONAL PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY STRATEGIES SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL NATIONAL REGIONAL & LOCAL Plans, policies and programmes PUBLISH REVISED PLAN CONSULTATION 2012 RESPONSES TO THE FORMAL CONSULTATION EXAMINATION AND ADOPTION OF THE PLAN

13 WHAT NEXT? A series of three workshops with representatives of stakeholder organisations were held during December 2008 and January 2009 at Lynton, Dunster and Dulverton. These events aimed to scope the range of issues facing the National Park in terms of land use and development and find options to address them. The outcomes helped to develop the issues, options and questions which were displayed at the Your Future Exmoor events. Following the community events, an event was held for stakeholder organisations in May 2010 to provide them with an opportunity to respond to the issues and options - the format was similar to the community events. A number of topic group discussions will be held during the autumn to explore some particular issues in further detail. We will be inviting representatives of stakeholder organisations and interested members of the public to attend these discussions. All the information provided through the community and stakeholder events, youth consultations, and questionnaires will help us to produce a draft plan and we will be consulting widely on this document next year. We will continue to invite views from local communities which will help us to progress the plan and shape the future of the National Park. The plan will set out the broad, over-arching policies for development and land use within the National Park combined with some more detailed development management policies. The consultation responses will then inform a revised plan which will be formally consulted on before publication. The plan will then be examined by an independent Inspector, and if it is found to be sound, it can then be formally adopted by the Authority. 13

14 PLEASE USE THIS SPACE IF YOU WISH TO MAKE ANY FURTHER COMMENTS ON THE FEEDBACK REPORT: 14

15 Please complete this form if you are interested in attending a topic-based group discussion on Your Future Exmoor. Name Organisation (if relevant) Address & Post Code Telephone Please tick the topics you are interested in discussing: Natural Environment Cultural Environment Settlements Housing Economy & Employment Transport & Infrastructure Climate Change & Natural Resources Are there any specific issues you are interested in discussing? Please tick if you would like to be contacted for future Your Future Exmoor planning consultations Please return completed forms to ldf@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk or Exmoor National Park Authority, Exmoor House, Dulverton, Somerset TA22 9HL BY FRIDAY 1 st OCTOBER 15