MELTON MOWBRAY - 'Queen of the Shires': FROM THE SUBLIME TO THE RIDICULOUS - AND RETUR
Nthelivingvillage.co.uk
Thursday, 2 October 2014
Tuesday, 5 August 2014
Comments
Cottesmore Neighbourhood Plan
Report of Survey
July 2014
Cottesmore Neighbourhood Plan Survey
Introduction
The object of the survey was to
seek the views of residents on those issues which are important to them and how
they should be considered within the Neighbourhood Plan. The planning group
discussed a wide range of topics, including those which other villages had
considered as part of their own plans, as well as those specific to Cottesmore
such as Kendrew Barracks.
Inevitably compromises have had to
be made within practical cost and manpower considerations. One such issue was
whether the questionnaire should be for each
person - (16+), or one per household. The former would have doubled the
cost of printing and created an enormous task of inputting data and analysis. In
addition to specific answers provided to the questionnaire, over 10,000 words
of comment were made by 160 households. A specific questionnaire for younger
residents was considered but abandoned in favour of feedback from them during the
consultation process.
After careful consideration a
number of questions examined initially by the group were discarded in order to
restrain the questionnaire to a reasonable length, within the premise that all such issues raised by residents would be introduced
at a later date.
Methodology
Over 60 questionnaires were
collected during two open days and some 400 delivered to and collected from each
household in the village with a further 100 sent to Kendrew Barracks for their
input.
A total of 300 completed
questionnaires were retrieved -
representing a response rate of 66% excluding Kendrew
. This is an extremely good result comparing favourably with the rates achieved by similar villages. Results
were entered into a spread sheet covering some 35,000 cells together with a
large number of comments (10,000 words) from 160 households - all of which have
been recorded with summaries contained in the following sections. All the original
forms will be archived.
The planning group would like to thank all those who completed the
questionnaire and in particular for the additional comments which have been
made.
Your answers will make a vital
contribution to the development of the Neighbourhood Plan.
Housing
This section covered questions on
whether village boundaries should be extended to accommodate additional
development and, assuming this, what kind of houses should be built and of what
materials.
The question associated with
continuing the current “infill” policy
or extending the village boundary drew broadly similar responses, with
the “infill” question answered by 254 respondents with 82% in favour of
continuing the policy and of the 217 who responded to the extended boundary
question 67% were in favour of
maintaining the existing boundary.
Respondents who suggested potential
locations for future development or indicated preferences on the maps,
highlighted the following areas:
Rogues
Lane – between the graveyard and Kendrew
Barracks, or on the land between Harrier
Close and Westland Road Rogues Lane
Market
Overton Road
Burley
Road – towards the public waste site.
Fields
to the rear of Main Street – bounded by The Spinney, Clatterpot/Mill
Lane Market
Overton Road
Fields
immediately behind Main Street Clatterpot
Lane
(Figure
2).
Of the 266 people who responded to
the question of extending the existing
boundary area, 90% were opposed to boundary changes.
The question about the type of
houses that should be built was answered by between 196* and 226 respondents and their answers are summarised below
67%
(196 people responded} were against the building of four or five bedroom
houses.
83%
(216 people responded) were in favour of three bedroom houses.
73%
(226 people responded) were in favour of one or two bedroom starter homes.
77%
(193* people responded) were against blocks of one or two bedroom apartments.
75%
(224 people responded) were in favour of retirement living apartments.
* what is correct 196 or 193?
Several
respondents added comments about the need for more bungalows.
Respondents had a distinct
preference for any future construction in the conservation area to be in
keeping with the old elements of the village – i.e. stone and slate tiles with 89% of the 238 respondents supporting
this proposition. When specifically asked, only 45% of the 194 respondents
supported the use of brick and concrete tiles. 76% of 227 respondents thought
that whatever materials use they should be chosen to help conserve energy.
94% of the 283 people responding to
the question of building heights, were opposed to any building exceeding two
storeys.
Similar unanimity was present on
the final question about housing density - 97% of the 282 respondents were in
favour of a stipulated density ensuring that the village retained its
appearance and character. One person however, commented that with the high cost
of land, this was unrealistic.
Environment & Facilities
This subject produced more responses
and greater comment than the total of all other categories – reflecting a major
aspect of residents’ concerns and aspirations.
Maintaining the traditional
character of the village was considered to be most important by 239 out of the 300
responses, whilst maintaining and improving the condition of kerbs, pavements
and footpaths. Nearly half the respondents said there were too many signs –
some of which restricted drivers’ vision and that existing speed restriction
signs should be improved and reinforced. Additional warning signs for Horse and
Riders and Children should be erected. Dog waste disposal signs were considered
to be too large and out of keeping.
Respondents considered village
facilities could be improved by updating the village hall 75% and over two thirds said a doctor’s surgery would be welcome –
even on a part-time basis. 151 respondents suggested an allotment (with water
supply) although only 61 would actually use it.
Open spaces are considered
important to 66% of respondents to this question.
It was considered that the area at
the Pastures could be improved by conversion into a public park with flower
beds, seating, small children’s playground and an area devoted to a wild flower
meadow 58%.
Interest was shown in the land by
the community centre and tennis courts for use a bowling green, sensory garden
and nature park for the elderly 66%.
It was suggested that as there are
few attractions for older children, a bmx/skateboard/ assault course park would
be desirable but with some reservations due to it’s proximity to Gainsborough
Court.
A large majority of respondents 83% considered new housing developments should be built with
open space for recreation. This was felt most strongly in comments from
residents of Harrier Close where there is neither play area nor other
recreational space.
Over 75% of respondents wanted a
significant increase in access to open countryside. It was suggested existing
paths required improvement and landowners should be asked to allow rights of
way across farmland surrounding the village. Several routes were suggested. It
was also suggested some roads should have footpaths laid - in particular Market Overton Road ,
Mill Lane
and Exton Lane .
196 respondents suggested more facilities
could be available to older residents such as regular drop ins at the social
club or pub. Theatre, cinema or concert outings – with assisted transport, were
equally well supported and other “club”
activities were suggested.
Use of facilities at the army base
being extended to village residents attracted suggestions and support to
encourage integration, including army representatives giving talks to existing village clubs.
There was general consensus that
existing facilities do not require much alteration although there was considered
to be some room for improvement and support for introduction of further retail
outlets such as a coffee shop and hairdresser.
Transport and Road Safety
Of the overall 300 responses, some
260 related to questions on transport, traffic and road safety. From the range and thoroughness of these it
is clear the impact – particularly of traffic in the village is significant.
However, as is usual with this topic, the range of suggested solutions to
perceived problems vary considerably – in some cases being in direct conflict
with each other.
It is also clear the subject matter
– namely traffic speed, parking, road safety/junction improvement and
improvements to public transport, have identified the mains issues.
Turning first to speed limits: Over
two thirds of respondents do not favour lowering the speed limit further or
widening road widths. There is more equal support for making kerbs clearer and
there are a number of specific suggestions on road signage – suggestion the
need to move the control signs
further away from the village so that
traffic is encouraged to slow down earlier. Similar approaches were suggested
in relation to the 20mph limits signs to be moved further from the school
entrance. There are also calls for greater/better enforcement of existing speed
limits and a number of respondents favoured greater use of electronic vehicle
messaging as a greater deterrent. Speed humps or tables had little support with 56% against– with some specific
rejections as to workability.
Nearly 80% of those who responded,
favoured change to the signage priority to
the A1north from Oakham, with a limit of heavy goods vehicles through
the village. However, the practicality of this was questioned, given the use of
sat-navs by most HGV drivers . Concern was
expressed, directing traffic through other villages on the A606 and it was acknowledged some of the heavy traffic
was supporting local industry and quarries along the route of the B668
important to the local economy.
Parking within the village was
found to be a somewhat emotive issue and there was acceptance that it needs to
be better organised although there were mixed views as to whether there should
be more of it. A parking bay on the chip shop side of the road gained
considerable favour with virtually the same proportion – 70%, wishing to see
clearer parking outside The Sun Inn.
There was considerable support for
improved signage to the Village Hall car park
81% although mention was made that this was in support of the
Village Hall and the Sun overflow
rather than a public car park . Also identified was the need to address
parking on Mill Lane
near to the garage, which some considered to be a road safety issue at certain
times. Nearly 66% of respondents favoured more action against irresponsible
parking in the village. Only 35% supported the idea of preventative posts along
the pavements.
Underpinning many comments
throughout the transport section were concerns on road safety issues. As well
as speeding and parking, the questionnaire posed specific questions relating to
junctions in parts of the village. The responses showed less consistency here –
in part reflecting people’s differing
experiences, depending on where they lived. Over two thirds of
respondents supported the need to improve sight lines at Market Overton/Ashwell Road junctions. Specific
solutions varied but a number of respondents suggested creating a one-way
junction (i.e. roundabout). There was less support for proposals to change priority
at the Toll Bar/Exton Road junction with over 60% in favour of no change. There
was 60% support for rumble strips along Rogues Lane – before Westland Drive , to slow traffic prior to
reaching the B668. There was also (as noted previously) support for moving the
traffic signs further out particularly on the Oakham and Greetham Roads to slow
traffic earlier when approaching the village.
The question relating to other
junctions drew very little response only 3% responded
Suggesting the survey had correctly
identified the major junction issues for the parish. There was however concern
expressed about the need for a safer pedestrian route particularly for school
children, from Barrow into Cottesmore along the Market Overton Road - where no footpath
exists. There was also a call for pedestrian crossings in the centre of the
village and from Harrier close across Rogues
Lane linking with the existing footpath.
There was a suggestion that the main Kendrew Barracks entrance be
changed to Thistleton Road
and some limited support for improvement (roundabout) to improve sight lines at
Mill Lane/Main Street
junction, also for improvements to the Rogues Lane/Main Street junction. One
respondent suggest a left-turn slip road. Several respondents emphasised the
need for enhanced cycle tracks – particularly next to the village hall/sports
field and along Exton Road .
Economy
There were 250 responses to
questions relating to the economy.
Within this section the most frequent being the need for a trade directory,
with 80% of respondents in favour. One suggestion was that an online
directory would be particularly useful –
possibly incorporating it with The Link.
Equally responded was the question
on the possibility of encouraging a guest house or B&B – with 84% of those
who answered the question in favour, 205. There were comments that off-street
parking should be available. Responses were equally divided for/against the
principle of allowing change of use from residential to retail. There was one suggestion for a
greengrocer.
On the question of introducing
either light industrial units or small office units a firm majority 68% were
against although where in favour, suggested locations were near the Barracks
down rogues Lane, on the Market Overton Road near the school, near the refuse
station on the Burley Road or the old Greetham Garden Centre. In general
support was lukewarm. Other suggestions included multiple use of existing
businesses such as an internet café.
One of the most interesting facts
to emerge was the number of households containing self-employed persons. Out of
the 300 overall replies there were 58 which, if shown as a proportion of total
households (excluding the Barracks) would amount to 87 self-employed people in
the village. This coupled with 115 jobs identified in the village of which
nearly 50% were held by villagers, amounted to about 140 jobs in the village
filled by residents.
Energy
Three basic issues were proposed:
help in saving energy costs; use of photoelectric cells to generate energy and
use of wind turbines.
On saving energy costs, of those who answered the question, 240, there
was strong support for the need to improve information on the subject – 80%,
but slightly less - 67% in favour of
helping households change suppliers. Their was also strong support – 61%, in
favour of community buying schemes although it was pointed out that such a
scheme existed for the purchase of oil.
Nearly all the comments in this
section related to solar panels and wind turbines.
On the question of changing
restrictions of use to accommodate solar panels within the conservation area, 56% of respondents
(250) were against any changes but 43% were in favour. However the majority of
comments related to whether they would be visible form Main Street , which they were against.
Some expressed preference for them to be at ground level whilst others were
not concerned. There was one suggestion
that government should provide a grant to each household for two panels.
Answers to wind turbine questions
provided a similar split with 60% against and 40% in favour, from a total of
258 answers on this subject. General consensus was that they should be out of
sight of the village other than one suggestion for the football pitch. The most common suggestion was somewhere at the barracks or on
Market Overton Road with one suggestion close to the refuse station on the rise
on the Ashwell Road.
In this section there was also a
comment that we should be aware of fracking and possible use of CHP (combined
heat and power).
Monday, 16 June 2014
survey results
|
Heading
|
Sub Heading
|
Yes
|
No
|
N/A
|
|
HOUSING
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
If the number of houses in the village were to increase, how do you think
such growth should be arranged?
|
a By continuing the existing
policy of infilling areas within the village boundary?
|
209
|
45
|
46
|
|
|
b By extending the village
boundary?
|
72
|
145
|
83
|
|
2 The current conservation
area is shown on the attached plan 2
|
a Do you think it should be
changed?
|
26
|
240
|
34
|
|
3
The conservation area is protected by legislation and planning applications
have to be approved as appropriate in scale, character and materials. New
buildings outside of this area can be constructed in other materials. What
should be considered when selecting materials for these? Circle any you think
appropriate.
|
a Materials in keeping with
the older elements of the village eg stone and slate tiles?
|
212
|
26
|
62
|
|
|
b
Materials in keeping with more recent developments e.g. brick/concrete tiles?
|
86
|
108
|
106
|
|
|
c Selection of materials
should be based on energy conservation?
|
173
|
54
|
73
|
|
4
There are houses of varying sizes in Cottesmore. Do you think there is a need
for any particular size of home to be built?
|
a Large executive houses,
i.e. four or more bedrooms.
|
65
|
131
|
104
|
|
|
b Three bedroom houses.
|
179
|
37
|
84
|
|
|
c Small one or two
bedroom "starter"
homes.
|
165
|
61
|
74
|
|
|
d Blocks of one or two
bedroom apartments.
|
44
|
149
|
107
|
|
|
e Retirement living
apartments.
|
168
|
56
|
76
|
|
5 Do you think any new dwelling in the village should be higher
than two storeys?
|
|
16
|
267
|
17
|
|
6 Should any new
developments have a stipulated housing density, which ensures the existing
village appearance and character is maintained.
|
|
273
|
9
|
18
|
|
ENVIRONMENT and FACILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
7
Do you think any of the following will improve the appearance of the village?
Mark any that you agree with.
|
a Improvement in the
condition of kerbs pavements and footpaths.
|
171
|
74
|
55
|
|
|
b Litter bins, street signs
and street lights to be in keeping with the traditional character of the
village.
|
239
|
24
|
37
|
|
|
c Do you think there are too many public signs around
the village or too few?
|
51
|
141
|
108
|
|
8 Cottesmore has a church, post office, pub, chip shop,
garage, a very convenient waste disposal site, village hall, a sports and
social club, numerous clubs and an excellent communications system via The
Village Link as well as high speed broadband. Would any of the following
suggestions be an improvement to the village?
|
a A GP surgery even if only
available on a part time basis.
|
203
|
66
|
31
|
|
|
b Modernisation of the
village hall including improved insulation and heating.
|
183
|
59
|
58
|
|
|
c Do you think Cottesmore
should have some allotments?
|
151
|
88
|
61
|
|
|
d If there should be allotments where should
they be
|
5
|
5
|
290
|
|
|
e. Would you be interested
in having an allotment?
|
61
|
200
|
39
|
|
9 The two main areas of open
space in the village are the Pastures and space by ground by the tennis courts and the
football pitches. Are these spaces important to you
|
|
199
|
64
|
37
|
|
10 Considering the Pastures, do you think the use and
quality of this space would be improved by:
|
a Making it into a public park with flower beds,
comfortable seating and play equipment for small children.
|
144
|
105
|
51
|
|
|
b Planting trees to form a small wood.
|
93
|
142
|
65
|
|
|
c Planting a wild flower
Meadow to increase the insect, butterfly and bee population.
|
162
|
90
|
48
|
|
11 Considering the other open space by the tennis
courts and the football pitches
|
a Would you like some of
this to be made into a public park
with flower beds and comfortable seating and a play area for children?
|
168
|
85
|
47
|
|
|
b Should some of the space
be made into a bowling green?
|
146
|
92
|
62
|
|
|
c Should some of the space
be made into a bmx/skateboard park?
|
90
|
158
|
52
|
|
12.
Do you think that all the new housing developments should be built with an
open space for recreation?
|
|
225
|
45
|
30
|
|
13.
Are there some open spaces that you would like to be made into recreational
area now?
|
|
16
|
8
|
276
|
|
14
Access to open countryside is restricted by the lack of footpaths. Would any
of the following be important improvements to you?
|
a. The existing public
footpath shown on map 2 be made usable
throughout the year with an improved surface in sections that are currently
impassable in inclement weather
|
188
|
70
|
42
|
|
|
b A footpath/cycle/scooter path along Exton
Road past Hambleton Bakery to join up with the existing footpath at the corner with Exton
|
229
|
44
|
27
|
|
|
c Negotiating the provision
of "permissive" footpaths (in accordance with an aim of the Rutland
Rights of Way Improvement Plan) to provide circular routes for walkers,
cyclists, horse riders and mobility scooter drivers.
|
224
|
33
|
43
|
|
|
d Are there any other places
that you would like to have a footpath? If so please write in the space below
or at the end
|
62
|
121
|
117
|
|
15 The most recent census showed that there are many older
people living on their own in the village. While there are a number of clubs
already it may be that not all interests are catered for or that impaired
mobility stops residents from getting to them. Do you think any of the
following might be of interest (not just for the elderly)?
|
a A regular “drop in” time at the social
club or the pub or some other venue where company may always be found.
|
196
|
38
|
66
|
|
|
b An outing club to theatre,
cinema or concerts in nearby towns with lift sharing from those with
transport.
|
183
|
46
|
71
|
|
|
c New clubs. If you have a
particular interest that others might share list it below or at the end.
|
0
|
2
|
298
|
|
16 The army helped with the
bonfire last year are there any other
ways they could integrate with the Village.
|
d New
|
2
|
2
|
296
|
|
17 If there any other facilities or improvements to facilities
that you would like to see in the village please write here or in the space
at the end.
|
|
2
|
0
|
298
|
|
TRANSPORT AND ROAD SAFETY
|
|
84
|
174
|
42
|
|
18
Surveys in previous years have shown that very few vehicles travel at speeds
above 30 mph through the village, however the perception is different. Which
of the following measures do you think would help you to feel more at ease
when walking along Main Street?
|
a A reduction of the speed limit
to 20 mph
|
70
|
175
|
55
|
|
|
b A reduction of road
width by increasing grass verges
forcing cars to slow.
|
115
|
125
|
60
|
|
|
c A clearer definition of
kerbs to make the road appear narrower
and slow traffic
|
125
|
121
|
54
|
|
|
d Placement of rumble strips
at each end of village.
|
201
|
59
|
40
|
|
|
e A change of the signing
priorities for the A1(North) in Oakham so that traffic is directed along the
A 606 towards Stamford?
|
207
|
56
|
37
|
|
|
f. Seek a limit on Heavy
Goods Vehicles through the Village
|
194
|
60
|
46
|
|
19
A lot of customers of the two shops want to be able to park close to them,
but unfortunately, this creates a major hazard. Do you think any of the
following measures would be helpful in resolving the parking problems?
|
a A parking bay on the Chip
Shop side of the road
|
101
|
147
|
52
|
|
|
b Posts on the pavement near
at the edge of the kerb to prevent pavement parking
|
204
|
63
|
33
|
|
|
c Clearer parking layout in
front of The Sun public house.
|
211
|
48
|
41
|
|
|
d Improved signage
to the public car park at the village community hall
|
95
|
161
|
44
|
|
20
An increase generally in the number of vehicles has raised concern about the
safety of some road junctions. Do you think any of the following would be helpful?
|
a A small roundabout at the
junction of Toll Bar, Exton Road and Greetham Road
|
183
|
66
|
51
|
|
|
b Improved sight lines at
the Market Overton, Ashwell, Main Road junction
|
7
|
3
|
290
|
|
|
c. Are there any other
junctions that you consider to be a problem? If so write which ones at the
end and include the question number 20c
|
132
|
105
|
63
|
|
|
d Creating a rumble strip on
Rogues Lane before Westland Road to slow traffic before the junction with the
B668.
|
147
|
108
|
45
|
|
|
e Should the speed limit signs (30 or 20) on
the Oakham Road, be moved further out of Cottesmore to where the 50mph sign
is now?
|
162
|
77
|
61
|
|
|
F would you like the
responsible authority to take more action over irresponsible parking in the
village.
|
177
|
59
|
64
|
|
21 if you travel out of
Cottesmore for work, shopping or leisure, do you think any of the following
would be useful
|
a More frequent bus services
to Oakham and Melton Mowbray.
|
205
|
39
|
56
|
|
|
b A regular bus to
Stamford.
|
84
|
174
|
42
|
|
ECONOMY
|
|
|
|
|
|
22
About 100 people, not including Kendrew Barracks or self-employed, work
within the village. Do you think any of the following should be encouraged to
increase the opportunities for employment within the village?
|
a The development of light
industry start up units.
|
74
|
159
|
67
|
|
|
b. If so where should they
be see map
|
0
|
8
|
292
|
|
|
c. The development of small
office units
|
68
|
141
|
91
|
|
|
d. If so where should they
be ? see map
|
1
|
1
|
298
|
|
|
e
The development of retail premises and, in principle, support for the change
of use of
residential premises in the centre of the
village to retail.
|
119
|
120
|
61
|
|
|
f
Encourage and support guest houses and B&Bs
|
205
|
39
|
56
|
|
23
How many, if any, members of your household are self-employed?
|
|
58
|
|
242
|
|
24
Do you think either of the following would help increase the number of people
who run a business from home?
|
a
Self employed group where people can share information about e.g. web site
designers, book keeping services, small business accountants, print firms
|
152
|
78
|
70
|
|
|
b
A trade directory/website listing all
businesses and services available
locally
|
196
|
48
|
56
|
|
ENERGY
|
|
|
|
|
|
25
The cost of energy is a major problem for everyone. Advice is available but
may be confusing and not everyone can access the internet to gather
information or check comparison websites. Do you think any of the following
would help?
|
a.
a.Improved
information about the existing local advisory services for energy saving and
grant availability?
|
207
|
33
|
207
|
|
|
b.
Help with changing suppliers?
|
153
|
76
|
153
|
|
|
c
Some communities are reducing their costs by community buying schemes. Would
you be interested in such a scheme
|
172
|
78
|
172
|
|
26. Solar panels are being
installed by individuals and large scale solar farms are being developed in
some areas of the country.
|
a.
Do you think restrictions on solar
panels in conservation areas should be changed to allow more to be installed?
|
108
|
142
|
108
|
|
|
b Do you think there are any attractive areas
near the village that should be protected from solar panels being erected? If
so please write which they are here or at the end.
|
0
|
8
|
0
|
|
27.
Some communities are producing their own energy from wind turbines and
reducing the energy costs of the whole community.
|
a
Would you be interested in a community wind turbine scheme to reduce your
energy costs?
|
105
|
153
|
105
|
|
|
b
Where do you think it a community wind turbine should be sited? Please write
below.
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
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