Ballyeaston Village Plan Introduction Village Renewal Measure

The Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 is part financed by the European The Village Renewal Measure will provide financial support primarily for the drafting of Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Department of Agriculture, integrated village plans and also for the renewal of rural villages through Village Plans. The Environment & Rural Affairs (DAERA). GROW South Antrim (Generating Rural Opportunities village plan is a working document that has the support of the community. It should provide Within South Antrim) has been set up to manage and deliver LEADER Priority 6 of the Northern a needs based strategic framework to co-ordinate specific development actions. Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 across the Antrim & Borough Council area. Support for Village Renewal must fit with the Council Community Plans and integrate with the Village Renewal plans supported under the 2007 – 2013 Rural Development Programme. The GROW South Antrim Strategic Vision is: “South Antrim as a vibrant, prosperous and The measure will aim to build on the overarching fabric of a village / town integrating with inclusive region whose roots are locally grown but whose focus is, at the same time, outward other funding from other government departments and agencies. The measure will aim to looking and expansive.” address rural dereliction and prioritise the reuse of existing derelict buildings, particularly to provide community infrastructure. Within the South Antrim area, LEADER Priority 6 of the programme provides provision for the following Schemes: Support is limited to within the “village” development limits or in simple terms 30 miles per hour zone and may include:

• Rural Business Investment Scheme Development or updating of integrated village plans for Local Government Districts • Rural Basic Services Scheme • Village investment emanating from the integrated village plans such as: • Village Renewal Scheme • Derelict and vacant site enhancement • Co-Operation Scheme > > Environmental improvements > Shop frontage enhancements > Conservation and upgrading of rural culture and heritage (natural and built), except monuments and wall murals which will not be considered eligible for funding > Gateway projects

The beneficiaries of the Village Renewal Scheme are local authorities and community groups. Local authorities must work in partnership with the rural community to roll out the village plans.

2 3 Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Community Planning Context published the draft Community Plan for the Borough covering the period to 2030 in early 2017. It details 4 Community planning is the responsibility of local authorities since local government reform outcome statements for the Borough: was introduced in April 2015. Councils will work with statutory bodies and their communities to develop and implement a shared vision for promoting the well being of an • Our citizens enjoy good health and well being area, community cohesion and improving the quality of life of its citizens. • Our citizens live in connected, safe and vibrant places The village plan for Ballyeaston has been developed using a community led approach, with consultation with residents on key issues, priorities and projects for development forming • Our citizens benefit from economic prosperity the central elements of the planning process. The approach taken to develop the village plan • Our citizens achieve their full potential is therefore reflective of the principles of community planning.

The village plan incorporates a broad range of issues and initiatives across many aspects of village life from day to day issues such as litter to traffic and speeding related issues to recreation and well being issues. The proposed projects and initiatives to improve these aspects of life within the village therefore correlate directly to these issues and also align to the outcome statements detailed within the draft Community Plan. Village issues and proposed projects relate to various local government and NI Executive policies and strategies and responsibilities. The village plan therefore can help to inform community planning at a local level and direct resources from the process to develop positive outcomes for the residents of Ballyeaston.

4 5 Village Overview Ballyeaston is located on the southern hill slopes overlooking River and north of Town Centre. Ballyeaston has a very distinctive character, focused on the junction of three main routes that join near a medieval parish church. The centre of the village comprises of a tightly knit group of buildings on both sides of the Trenchill Road, a steeply inclined and winding road, which forms the village’s main street. Most of its buildings remain largely unaltered and the village still retains much of its original character.

The village has a rich heritage especially in relation to local churches and it was also a central meeting point for the United Irishmen during the 1798 rebellion. The First Ballyeaston Presbyterian Church dates back to 1676 and the Second Ballyeaston Presbyterian Church was built in 1863, celebrating its 250 year anniversary in 2013. There is also St Augustine’s Church ruin and adjoining graveyard which dates back to 1786. The church ruin is an important aspect of local heritage and landmark within the village, with improvement works carried out to preserve the ruin over the past ten years. St Augustine was reputed to have originally given Ballyeaston its name.

The settlement is therefore centred around these church buildings which are located at either end of the village and also St Augustine’s Church ruin in the centre of the village. The village has a number of church halls as a result which are used for various local activities, there is Ballyeaston Orange Hall and also the old Ballyeaston Flute Band hall. The band hall had fallen into disrepair but work is ongoing to complete some upgrade works and bring back into positive community usage.

6 5 Village Planning Process Consultation Findings & Analysis In order to create the village plan for Ballyeaston, a number of key steps have been Public Meeting completed, including: A public meeting was held in Galbraith Hall, 1st Ballyeaston Presbyterian Church Hall on 8th • Village walkabout – representatives from the village steering committee along with December 2016, with a total of 22 people in attendance. The meeting was publicised through the consultant team identified and discussed key areas and issues for the village notices distributed to local homes (along with the community questionnaire) and via local during a site visit. This was an opportunity to highlight areas of noted concern in the community networks. Details of the public meeting were also distributed to local elected village and to explore initial ideas or proposed plans for improvement representatives.

The public meeting allowed for group discussion and also individual comment based on the • Hosting a public meeting for all local residents and stakeholders to engage in the following key questions: planning process and offer their views in terms of key issues and priorities for the village and development proposals for the next 3-5 year period • What are the key priorities and issues for the village in your view? • Distribution of a questionnaire to local residents to obtain feedback on an individual • What physical improvements would you like to see taken forward for the village? basis from as many local residents as possible • What community activities or events would you like to see continued, developed or expanded in the village?

This consultation process with local residents and stakeholders has been a central element of Some of the key points noted from the public meeting were as follows: the village planning process. The plan has been finalised post the consultation process with a number of planning meetings with the village steering committee to feedback key findings from the consultation process, agree priority projects to be advanced for the village of • People pass through Ballyeaston with nothing to stop for at present – signage, Ballyeaston and identify key actions required to advance priorities. improvements to the village could help to make people more aware of the village • Scheme to enhance village entrance or install signage would be welcome – make the village and its boundaries more visible to people travelling through • Orange Hall needs investment/ become more user friendly – poor condition at present which prevents greater community usage • Heritage linked to the United Irishmen could be explored and developed upon further due to historical significance of the area. In tandem with the church ruin and graveyard developments, this would be a good opportunity to enhance and promote the village • Issues with speeding on all roads leading into the village • No local shop in the village – residents have to travel outside of the village • The lack of green spaces in the village for community or recreational use was noted

8 9 Potential Physical Improvements The following list of potential physical improvements was noted from the public meeting:

• Improvements to the graveyard and St Augustine Church ruin – lighting, additional signage, better walkways and railings to improve safety and enhance the site as an asset for the local community • Play area for children – it was noted that whilst there is not a large youth population in the area there are a lot of grandparents with families that regularly visit the village. There are no areas available for children to play in this instance within the village • Village notice board – keep people updated via one central point in the village • Derelict or run down buildings – improvements to the frontage to help improve the appearance of the village • Orange Hall improvements – to help cater for more community usage essential works must be completed to install new toilets and complete minor works essential for health and safety. Cannot be used for wider community usage at present due to these issues • Scheme to enhance village entrance / signage – particularly installation of signage at the 4 entrance roads to the village. Limited signage at present • Band hall scheme – refurbishment of the old Band Hall in the village which is currently lying derelict and not used due to condition. Work is ongoing with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council to bring the building up to a usable condition but there are other plans to develop further in the future

10 11 Respondents were asked to rate a list of issues relating to health, well being and environment Community Questionnaire as “major issues”, “of some concern” and “no concern” based upon their views and experience living in Ballyeaston. The following responses were received: A total of 48 responses were received to the questionnaire distributed to local residents and some of the key findings include:

Issues deemed to be Litter, dog fouling, graffiti 42.2%= of responses • 82% of respondents (35 people) indicated that they have been living in the village for at least 5 years “major concerns” Traffic 34.9%= of responses

When asked to rate quality of life within the village, 65% of respondents (25 people) • Issues deemed to be Litter, dog fouling, graffiti 86.7%= of responses stated quality of life in the village is good or very good “major” or of “some Traffic 76.7%= of responses When asked to identify issues that affect quality of life within the village, the following concern” were the top responses received (respondents were asked to mark all relevant issues from a provided list): When asked to identify community services, activities or events people would like to see • Facilities and services or opportunities for young people = 21 respondents (50%) prioritised for the area, the most popular responses were (respondents could mark up to 3 • Community facilities = 20 respondents (47.6%) responses): • Sport and recreation facilities = 16 respondents (38.1%) • Community events = 50% of responses • Living environment issues e.g. appearance of the village, derelict properties = 15 respondents (35.7%) • Activities for young people = 40% of responses • Road safety initiatives = 33% of responses

Respondents were also asked to identify the number one issue affecting quality of life in the Further information in relation to the questionnaire findings and analysis can be accessed in village. The most popular responses were: the appendix to this document.

• Community facilities = 12 respondents (30.8%) • Living environment issues e.g. appearance of the village, derelict properties = 7 respondents (17.9%)

When asked to identify and rank priorities for physical improvements within the village, the top 2 priorities ranked by respondents were:

• Community building / hall • Children’s play park / playground

12 13 Priority Projects for Ballyeaston Actions to Progress Priorities On the basis of the process undertaken, the potential projects and issues that were deemed Refurbishment of the old Band Hall in Ballyeaston most important for local people, the following key priorities have been identified for action within the village over the next 3-5 year period: Action Stakeholders Potential Resources Funders required

Village Improvements Work with Antrim and Village Antrim and Volunteer Newtownabbey Borough Council Committee Newtownabbey time • Installation of signage at each of the entrances to the village officers and the appointed Borough architect to complete phase 1 of Antrim and Council • Installation of a village notice board the capital works to the building Newtownabbey Borough Council • Improvement / upgrade works to run down buildings in the village Work through the following Village GROW Basic Volunteer actions to develop and complete Committee Services time • Improvement works to St Augustine’s Church Ruin and graveyard phase 2 of the capital works: Measure Funding Community Facilities 1. Work with the architect to Antrim and for the develop the detail of refurbishment Newtownabbey capital • Upgrade and refurbishment of the old Band hall works to be completed Borough works 2. Make applications to relevant Council funding bodies (and highlighting • Upgrade and refurbishment to Ballyeaston Orange Hall the support for the project within Big Lottery the village via the village Awards for All Youth Related Projects committee) 3. Secure funding and complete • Development of a play park the necessary procurement processes 4. Appoint contractor(s) and Broader Issues to Address for the Village oversee the completion of the project • Improved walkway and enhancement of the area down to Dickeystown 5. Have a launch event for the Hall once the project has been • Construction of a footpath leading to the Ballyclare link completed (supporting wider community involvement)

• Pedestrian crossing or signage warning of pedestrians on the Ballyeaston Road Post the completion of the project, Village Antrim and Volunteer complete the following actions: Committee Newtownabbey time 1. Promote the project for local Borough Community led initiatives community usage Antrim and Council 2. Work with all local stakeholders Newtownabbey • Defibrillator for the village to develop activities and events to Borough Council be held in the facility and secure funding for these activities where • Christmas tree for the village during the festive period possible

14 15 Actions to Progress Priorities Village Improvements Refurbishment of Ballyeaston Orange Hall • Installation of signage at each of the entrances to the village • Installation of a village notice board Action Stakeholders Potential Resources Funders required Action Stakeholders Potential Resources Provide support to the Orange Village GROW Basic Volunteer Funders required Hall committee to complete Committee Services time Engage with Council officers and Village GROW Volunteer the following: Scheme public representatives to agree key Committee time milestones to take each project 1. Work with a suitable architect Orange Hall Antrim and Capital forward. To include: Antrim and Antrim and Antrim and to develop the detail of Committee Newtownabbey Costs • Potential costs of each project Newtownabbey Newtownabbey Newtownab- refurbishment works to be Borough • Any Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Borough bey Borough completed Council Borough Council funding Council Council Council 2. Make applications to relevant opportunities for each project Officer time funding bodies (and Big Lottery • Any permissions that are Public highlighting the support for the Awards required in order to complete Representatives Public project within the village via the for All representative village committee) Participate in any related council time 3. Secure funding and consultation exercises such as: complete the necessary • Community Planning Capital costs procurement processes • Village in Bloom meetings for signage 4. Appoint contractor(s) and oversee the completion of Work with Council officers and Capital costs the project public representatives to for village 5. Have a launch event for the complete necessary design and notice Orange Hall once the project cost exercises board has been completed (supporting wider community Work with Council Officers to involvement) identify potential funders for each project on an ongoing basis and Post the completion of the Village Antrim and Volunteer make applications where project, support the Orange Hall Committee Newtownabbey time appropriate and eligible committee to: Borough Antrim and Council Ensure that the community is 1. Promote the project for local Newtownabbey consulted as / when any works community usage Borough Orange Hall are completed 2. Work with all local Council Committee stakeholders to develop Raise awareness of the installed activities and events to be held Orange Hall signage and village notice board in the facility and secure Committee within the local community and funding for these activities via local media and promote the where possible work of the village committee / funders to secure improvements for the village

16 17 Village Improvements Village Improvements Improvement / upgrade works to run down buildings Improvement works to St Augustine Church ruin and graveyard • Removing the current rail and replacing with a new rail to run along the Action Stakeholders Potential Resources boundary with houses to the east of the church ruin Funders required • Installation of lighting in the ruin (if possible) • Additional signage for the church ruin and graveyard Meet with Antrim and Village Department for Volunteer time • A strip of grass and wild flower mix to be inserted at the north face of the ruin Newtownabbey Borough Committee Infrastructure Council officers to outline issues with run down buildings Antrim and Antrim and Antrim and Action Stakeholders Potential Resources and explore any options that Newtownabbey Newtownabbey Newtownab- Funders required could be taken to improve the Borough Borough bey Borough Engage with Council officers and public Village GROW Volunteer exterior of these buildings Council Council Council representatives to agree key milestones to Committee time officer time take the project forward. To include: Engage with building Public Building • Potential costs of each element of the Antrim and Antrim and Antrim and owners and Antrim and representatives Owners Public project Newtownabbey Newtownabbey Newtownab- Newtownabbey Borough representatives • Any Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Borough bey Borough Council officers to discuss any Building GROW time Borough Council funding opportunities Council Council Council available options for Owners for each project officer time improvements to the buildings • Any permissions that are required to Public complete Representatives Public Take forward improvement representative works as applicable Participate in any related council time consultation exercises such as: • Community Planning Capital Costs • Village in Bloom meetings • Work with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council officers and public representatives to complete necessary design and cost exercises

Work with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Officers to identify potential funders for each element of the project on an ongoing basis and make applications where appropriate and eligible

Liaise with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council officers to ensure that the community is consulted as / when any works are completed

Raise awareness of the improvements to the Church ruin within the local commu- nity and via local media and promote the work of the village committee / funders to secure improvements for the village 18 19 Creation of a play park within the Action Stakeholders Potential Resources Funders required village Identify potential funders to Village Antrim and Volunteer secure technical assistance to Committee Newtownabbey time develop design plans for the Borough Action Stakeholders Potential Resources play park Antrim and Council Council Funders required Newtownabbey Officer time Appoint suitably qualified Discuss potential sites for a play Village Antrim and Volunteer Borough Council Big Lottery architect / design professional park in the village as a Committee Newtownabbey time Capital costs to develop plans for the play committee and develop a list to Borough Private Land park be explored further Antrim and Council Antrim and Owners Newtownabbey New- Consult with local residents on Borough Council Big Lottery townabbey any proposed plan / design and Borough seek agreement on taking the Complete an initial meeting Private Land Council project forward (ensuring that with relevant officers within Owners officer time any issues are addressed) Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council regarding the Once agreement on the facility potential to develop a play park and plans are reached, identify in the area and to identify any potential funders and complete issues that would need to be applications for the addressed to advance a project construction works

Explore the initial feasibility of Complete procurement as per the sites identified by speaking funder guidelines to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and private Appoint contractor to complete landowners to: works and deliver the project • Assess whether there is a and continue to liaise regularly willingness to develop the site throughout as a play park for the local community Hold a launch event in the local • Discuss any potential community upon project difficulties or issues with each completion site • Agree any actions required to explore further or advance the project

Identify the preferred site for the development and secure an initial agreement with the relevant landowner to develop the project further

20 21 Broader Issues to Address Community led initiatives for the Village • Defibrillator for the village • Christmas tree for the village during the festive period • Improved walkway and enhancement of the area leading from Ballyeaston to Dickeystown Action Stakeholders Potential Resources • Construction of a footpath leading to the Ballyclare link Funders required • Pedestrian Crossing or signage warning of pedestrians Approach suitable funders to secure Village Antrim and Volunteer crossing on the Ballyeaston Road a defibrillator for the village Committee Newtownabbey time Borough Council Equipment Action Stakeholders Potential Resources Work with residents and Antrim Funders required and Newtownabbey Borough costs Council officers (if appropriate) to Public Health Engage with Department for Village Department Volunteer agree a site and secure funding for Agency Infrastructure officials and Committee for time a village Christmas tree during the public representatives to assess Infrastructure festive period Big Lottery the potential for each of the Antrim and Public Awards for All projects to be brought forward Newtownabbey representatives for the village and discuss any Borough time key milestones such as: Council • Internal departmental process Capital Costs that must be completed Public • Potential costs of each project representatives • Any additional information that the village committee can provide to support the process

Work with public representatives to lobby for the improvements through all available channels, including: • Department for Infrastructure • Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council • MLAs and any other relevant political representatives

Liaise with Department for Infrastructure officials or relevant funder officers to ensure that the community is consulted as / when any works are to be completed

22 23 Project Overview Next Steps and Delivering the Plan The village plan was developed during the period October 2016 through to March 2017. A key The village planning process has achieved a considerable amount of input from local element in the development of the plan was identifying a priority project that could be community residents and has been supported by Ballyeaston Village Committee. brought forward to seek funding from the Rural Development Programme Village Renewal Importantly a series of potential projects have been identified that can be brought forward by Measure. The project put forward by the Ballyeaston Village Committee was a “Village the Village Committee, local community stakeholders, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Improvement Project” and a snapshot of the works to be completed, key aims and proposed Council and statutory bodies. In order to advance the village plan, attract investment and benefits of the project are detailed: support the delivery of the priority projects identified, it is important that an update on the village plan is incorporated into the monthly meetings of the Village Committee. Whenever possible the Village Committee should also keep village residents updated of progress and Works to be completed: any short, medium or long term successes. This will help to bring a focus to achieving the priorities within the document whilst also retaining wider community support and input. • Installation of signage at each of the entrances to the village • Installation of a Village notice board The well established Village Committee is best placed to assume the lead role in the delivery of the Ballyeaston village plan over the next 3-5 year period and a series of practical actions • Improvement / upgrade works to run down buildings – to improve the external have been identified as a guide to follow and measure progress in line with priority projects physical appearance of these buildings and thereby contributing to enhanced identified. appearance of the village • Improvement works to St Augustine’s Church ruin and graveyard – to include: It is important that the Village Committee and other relevant local stakeholders continue to engage with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council structures such as Community > Removing the current rail and replacing with a new rail to run along the Planning, to represent the needs and priorities for the area and, where possible, help to drive boundary with houses to the east of the church ruin investment to the priorities outlined in the village plan. > Installation of lighting in the ruin (if possible) > Additional signage for the church ruin and graveyard A number of potential funders have been noted, however this represents only a small selection of funding opportunities that are or will become available over the lifetime of the > A strip of grass and wild flower mix to be inserted at the rorth face of the ruin village plan. It is recommended that funding proposals are advanced in line with the projects identified and relevant funding opportunities as they become available. This may include Estimated costs for the project £50,000 opportunities such as:

• GROW funding programmes within the Rural Development Programme Key aims: Key benefits: • Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council annual funding programmes • To improve the physical appearance of • Helping to build an enhanced sense of • Big Lottery funding programmes Ballyeaston with upgrade to run down / community spirit and pride in the village • Department for Infrastructure funding programmes derelict buildings and increased signage through enhanced appearance and invest- ment (and achievement by the committee • Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs funding programmes • To install more signage in the village to and residents to secure funds for the work!) make more people aware of Ballyeaston • Public Health Agency or Northern Health and Social Care funding programmes as a village and to help with issues such as • Retaining the church ruin and graveyard • Funding opportunities through umbrella organisations such as South Antrim speeding and improving safety and appearance so that Community Network and the Community Foundation for it can be continued to be used for local • To enhance and maintain a local community activities / events and for people community and historical resource in the to visit the area area ensuring that the church ruins and graveyard can be experienced by local • Make more people aware of Ballyeaston as a residents and visitors to the area village through additional signage • Create a central point for village notices and event information that can be accessed by all local residents

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