ABBOTS RIPTON and WENNINGTON PARISH PLAN 2017
Introduction Introduction Welcome to the Abbots Ripton and Wennington Parish Plan. Your questionnaire responses have Welcome to the Abbots Ripton and Wennington Parish Plan. Your questionnaire been collated andresponses analysed, have and been from collated these and recommendationsanalysed, and from thes havee recommendations been developed have for further action, both locallybeen through developed ourfor Parish further action,Council, both and locally as through a representation our Parish Council, of the and respondent’s as a opinion on planningreprese andnta developmenttion of the respondent issues’s opinion affecting on planning the Parish, and development for consideration issues by other local government bodies.affecting the Parish, for consideration by other local government bodies. The response fromThe responsethe Parish from at the both Parish the at original both the consultationoriginal consultation meetings meetings and and in incompleting completing Survey/Questionnaire has been outstanding. We thank you for that and theSurvey/Questionnaireyour patience has during been the outstanding. time taken to develop We thank the plan you from for your that feedback. and your The patience Plan during the time taken toCommittee develop believe the plan that from the responses your feedback. received areThe a Plangood representationCommittee believe of opinion that the responses receivedacross are the a profile good of representation residents in the Parish. of opinion A brief across summary the of theprofle response of residents statistics in the Parish. A brief summaryis given below: of the response statistics is given below: Q1 Asked aboutQ1 the Asked type about of survey the type submission, of survey submission the break-down, the break- downof the of 104the 104 Questionnaires completed is shownQuestionnaires in the pie completed chart is shown in the pie chart
Respondents n=104
7 Views of a household
38 Views of an Individual
Views of a local 59 business
Q2 asked if the respondent was over 18 if completing as an individual, 3 responses Q2 asked if the wererespondent received wasfrom underover 18’s,18 if thesecompleting are included as an in theindividual, “views of an3 responsesindividual”. were received from under 18’s,Although these are this includedis a low direct in therepresentation “views of ofan the individual”. younger members Although of our this community is a low, direct representation ofthe the “views younger of a household members” response of our iscommunity, very likely to theinclude “views opinions of a from household” younger response is very likely to includefamily opinionsmembers. from younger family members. How does our response rate compare to the Parish Population?
How does our responseAt the time of rate the Survey compare, 245 peopleto the were Parish registered Population? voters on the electoral roll. Taking “views of a local business” respondents as not necessarily being resident in the Parish, At the time of thetaking Survey, out the 245 three people stated wereunder 18’s,registered and assuming voters that on thethe average electoral “views roll. of Takinga “views of a local business”household” respondents represented as not two necessarily voting adults being, will est residentimate that in132 the of Parish, a possible taking 245 out the three stated under 18’s,registered and assuming voters contributed that the to averagethe questionnaire “views responsesof a household”. This would represented indicate a circa two voting adults, will estimate54% responsethat 132 rateof a. possible 245 registered voters contributed to the questionnaire responses. ThisWhen would compared indicate to alocal circa election 54% voter response participation rate. rates and feedback we have seen When comparedfrom to localother Parishelection and voter Community participation planning exercisesrates and this feedback is a very solid we andhave seen from other representative proportion of the community and demonstrates the level of interest and Parish and Communityconcern loplanningcal residents exercises have for issuesthis is affecting a very oursolid Parish andand representative the environment. proportion of the community and demonstrates the level of interest and concern local residents have for issues affecting our Parish and the environment. 3
3 How the plan is structured. The plan is structured into 10 sections following the format of the Questionnaire 1. Transport/Roads/Road Safety 2. Network Rail and the Building of a Station near Abbots Ripton 3. The Environment and Conservation 4. Housing and Planning 5. Alconbury Weald Development 6. The Secret Garden Party 7. Crime & Safety 8. Local Facilities, Organisations, Groups and Leisure 9. Communication 10. Governance Each section shows the statistical responses to the questions and statements and a summary of the fndings. Your comments were analysed and summarised to provide a more concise and weighted commentary to add to the statistics. It has not been possible to reproduce all the verbatim comments as written in response to each question and still keep this plan to a manageable size. Those interested in seeing all the comments can access them, by question, on the Survey Monkey website using the web address below: https:www.surveymonkey.net/results/SM-KQCKQNVR using the password ABandW to enter the site. We cannot guarantee that the Survey Monkey Site will remain active through the life of the Parish Plan so we are investigating extracting the comments as a text fle that can be made available through the Parish Council Website. We anticipate that the direct Survey Monkey link will work at least through 2017. Each section also has recommendations and actions arising from the questionnaire responses and analysis. Following a summary of the recommendations, actionable issues are shown in a table style layout identifying the issue, the specifc recommendations, stakeholders in addressing the issue, expected outcome and proposed next step. We hope you will recognize that many of the issues raised require funding, support and approvals that are outside of direct Parish Council control or means. The Parish Council will act as our representatives to lobby for and progress the issues. In some instances, the plan represents the views of the Parish on wider strategic planning and environmental issues that have no immediate direct action requirement, but that should be taken into consideration in the future as a collective view or wish of the Parish. It is expected that this input forms part of any future consultations or decision making processes affecting the villages and our immediate environment. Thank you again for your input to this important document and your continued support as the Plan evolves.
Yours Sincerely The Parish Plan Committee
4 Section 1 - Transport / Roads / Road Safety Survey Questions 3-16 Section 1 - Transport / Roads / Road Safety Survey Questions 3-16 Q3 Q3 Traffc calming andTraffic speed calming management and speed management provisions provisions are adequate. are adequate.
% of Respondents n=101 70 60 50 28.7 40 7.9 30 20 33.6 29.7 10 0 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion
Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion
41.5% of respondents41.5% agreed of respondents with the agreed statement with the withstatement 58.5% with disagreeing. 58.5% disagreeing. A clear A clear majority would like to see traffc calmingmajority would and speedlike to see management traffic calming improved.and speed management The level of improved. comment The in level this of area was comment in this area was high, 58 respondents voiced opinions. A summary of key high, 58 respondentsconcerns voiced is given opinions. below. A summary of key concerns is given below. An overwhelming majority of the comments expressed concern at speeding through the village and An overwhelming majority of the comments expressed concern at speeding through the the failure of the existingvillage and traffc the failure calming of the measures existing traffic to calmingadequately measures control to adequately this. control this. • Several respondents observed that the 30mph restriction and chicane to the North of Abbots • Several respondents observed that the 30mph restriction and chicane to the Ripton is poorly sitedNorth ofwith Abbots restricted Ripton issight poorly lines. sited withMore restricted than one sight comment lines. More recommended than one re- siting to the junctioncomment with recommended Clay Lane at re -thesiting turn to the to junctionthe railway with Clay bridge. Lane at the turn to the railway bridge. • Several respondents• Several recommended respondents recommended replacing replacingthe fashing the flashing 30mph 30mph school school signs signs with electronic signs showingwith electronic the signsactual showing speed the of actual the approaching speed of the approach vehicleing vehicle • A 20mph section by the school and through Wennington village was also • A 20mph sectionproposed by the school and through Wennington village was also proposed • The distance •betweenThe distance the chicanes between the and chicanes the danger and the of danger vehicles of vehicles speeding speeding up byup bythe time they the time they reach the school was also noted. Provision of a formal pedestrian reach the schoolcrossing was also at the noted. central Provision point in the of village a formal near thepedestrian school was crossing commented at theon central point in the villagealthough near theelsewhere school con wascerns commented were raised about on although it being unnecessary. elsewhere concerns were raised about it• beingSpeed unnecessary. bumps were both promoted and seen as a bad thing in the comments, with more in favour than against. • Speed bumps were both promoted and seen as a bad thing in the comments, with more in favour thanThere against. were general comments on increased traffic volumes, particularly at peak times and the safety concerns of HGV traffic “short cutting” through Abbots Ripton. High There were generalspeed comments motorcycle on tourers, increased particularly traffc at weekendsvolumes, were particularly also noted at as peak a safety times and and the safety concerns ofnoise HGV nuisance traffc issue.“short cutting” through Abbots Ripton. High speed motorcycle tourers, particularly at weekends were also noted as a safety and noise nuisance issue.
5
5 Q4 Q4 Developments beyondDevelopments the Parish beyond Boundary the Parish Boundary (Alconbury (Alconbury Weald, Weald, Wyton Wyton etc.) etc. should) include provision to manageshould traffc include volumes provision tothrough manage Abbots traffic volumes Ripton through and Wennington Abbots Ripton (new and roads, weight limits/ restrictedWennington. access). (New roads, weight limits/ restricted access). Q4 Developments beyond the Parish Boundary (Alconbury Weald, Wyton etc.) % of Respondents n=103 should include provision to manage traffic volumes through Abbots Ripton and 100 Wennington.90 (New roads, weight limits/ restricted access). 80 70 60 65.2 % of Respondents n=103 10050 4090 3080 2070 22.3 1060 4.8 65.2 4.8 500 2.9 40 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 30 Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 20 22.3 10 4.8 0 4.8 2.9 87.5% of respondents87.5% ofagreed respondentsAgreement with theagreed statementDisagreement with the statement with 9.8%No Opinion with disagreeing. 9.8% disagreeing. A large A large majority of majority of respondents would like to see traffic volumes managed through the villages. respondents would like to Agreesee traffcStrongly volumes Agree Disagree managedStrongly through Disagree theNo villages. Opinion 41 respondents added41 respondents comments added with comments most ofwith these most expressingof these expressing concern concern at increasing at increasing HGV traffc and speed. HGV87.5% traffic of respondents and speed. agreed with the statement with 9.8% disagreeing. A large majority of respondents would like to see traffic volumes managed through the villages. • A large majority• A of large comments majority of express comments a expresswish for a weightwish for weightlimits limits/ HGV / HGV restrictions restrictions to be put in place through41 respondents theto bevillages put inadded place with comments th exemptionsrough the with villages most for localofwith these exemptions delivery expressing and for concernlocal agricultural delivery at increasing and traffc. HGV trafficagricultural and speed. traffic. • Opening a Clay• Opening Lane entry a Clay to Lane Alconbury entry to AlconburyWeald without Weald withoutvehicle vehicle access access restrictions would be a concern (bus,• re Abicycle strictionslarge majority and would emergency of be comments a concern servicesexpress (Bus, bicycle a only).wish andfor weightemergency limits services/ HGV restrictions only). • Concernsto be put inwere place raised through at the the abi villageslity to activelywith exemptions enforce restrictions for local delivery without and the • Concerns were provisionagriculturalraised at of thetraffic.physical ability controls to actively such as enforce more pronounced restrictions chicanes. without the provision of physical controlsQ5 • Opening such asa Clay more Lane pronounced entry to Alconbury chicanes. Weald without vehicle access Speed relimitsstrictions should would be belowered a concern at peak (Bus, times. bicycle and emergency services only). • Concerns were raised at the ability to actively enforce restrictions without the Q5 provision of physical% controls of Respondents such as more n=102 pronounced chicanes. Q5 60 Speed limits shouldSpeed be limits lowered should at be peak lowered times. at peak times. 50 40 23.5 % of Respondents n=102 30 6.9 60 20 50 29.4 26.5 10 40 23.5 13.7 0 30 Agreement Disagreement6.9 No Opinion 20 Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 29.4 26.5 10 13.7 52.9%0 of respondents agreed with the statement with 33.4% disagreeing. Agreement Disagreement No Opinion
Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 6
52.9% of respondents52.9% agreedof respondents with the agr eedstatement with the statementwith 33.4% with disagreeing.33.4% disagreeing.
Few specifc comments were received as many of the concerns were covered under Q3.6
6 Few specific comments were received as many of the concerns were covered under Q3.
Few specific comments were received as many of the concerns were covered under Q6 Q3. Q6 The County HighwaysThe County program Highways for program road maintenance for road maintenance is adequate. is adequate.
Q6 % of Respondents n=100 The90 County Highways program for road maintenance is adequate. 80 70 60 % of Respondents n=100 44 9050 8040 7030 6020 9 4434 10 50 12 400 1 30 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 20 Agree9 Strongly Agree 34 Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 10 12 0 1 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 21% of respondents21% agreedof respondents with theagreed statement with the statementwith 78% with disagreeing. 78% disagreeing. Q7 Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion The current single track Abbots Ripton - Wennington Road should be re-surfaced and passing places improved. Q7 21% of respondents agreed with the statement with 78% disagreeing. Q7 The current singleThe trackcurrent Abbots single track Ripton% Abbotsof Respondents - Wennington Ripton - Wennington n=101 Road shouldRoad should be re-surfaced be re-surfaced and and passing places improved. passing places improved.90 80 70 % of Respondents n=101 60 90 50 51.5 80 40 70 30 60 20 50 51.5 10 26.7 5 40 9.9 0 6.9 30 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 20 Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 10 26.7 5 9.9 0 6.9 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 78.2% of respondents agreed with the statement with 14.9% disagreeing. Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 39 comments were received relating to Q6 and Q7 with a general strong feeling that road maintenance is inadequate with suggestions on priorities. 78.2% of respondents78.2% ofagreed respondents with theagreed statement with the statement with 14.9% with 14.9%disagreeing. disagreeing. • B1090 to Huntingdon edges/potholes are a priority. 39 comments were39 comments received were relating received to Q6 relating and toQ7 Q6 with and Q7a general with a general strong strong feeling feeling that that road • Wennington Road, most comments recommend improvements to the passing road maintenance is inadequate with suggestions on priorities. maintenance is inadequateplaces with(tarmac suggestions refuges and onnot priorities.just widened unsurfaced areas) and the restitution of the carriageway edges. • B1090 to Huntingdon• B1090 to edges/potholes Huntingdon edges/potholes are a priority. are a priority. • Wennington Road, most comments recommend improvements to the passing 7 • Wennington Road,places most (tarmac comments refuges and recommend not just widened improvements unsurfaced areas) to the and passing the places (tarmac refugesrestitution and not of just the widenedcarriageway unsurfaced edges. areas) and the restitution of the carriageway edges. 7 • A few comments regard the poor state of the Wennington road as an indirect speed management and traffc calming improvement.
7 • A few comments regard the poor state of the Wennington road as an indirect speed management and traffic calming improvement.
• A few comments regard the poor state of the Wennington road as an indirect speed management and traffic calming improvement.
Q8 Q8 Parking provisionParking in the provision Parish inis the adequate. Parish is adequate.
Q8 % of Respondents n=101 Parking provision in the Parish is adequate. 80 70 60 10.9 % of Respondents n=101 8050 7040 6030 56.410.9 6.9 5020 4010 19.8 5.9 300 Agreement56.4 Disagreement No Opinion 20 6.9 10 Agree Strongly Agree19.8 Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 0 5.9 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 67.3% of respondents67.3% agreed of respondents with the agreed statement with the statementwith 26.7% with disagreeing. 26.7% disagreeing. Q9 Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion Parking restrictions (yellow lines) should be introduced. Q9 67.3% of respondents agreed with the statement with 26.7% disagreeing. Q9 % of Respondents n=100 Parking restrictionsParking (yellow restrictions lines) (yellow should lines) be shouldintroduced. be introduced. 80 70 % of Respondents n=100 60 25 80 50 70 40 60 25 30 50 49 20 7 40 10 13 30 6 0 49 20 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 7 10 Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 13 6 0 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 20% of respondents agreed with the statement with 74% disagreeing. Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion The general responses indicate that parking provision is adequate and a strong majority 20%would of not respondents want to see agreed yellow with line therestrictions statement introduced with 74%. Individualdisagreeing. comments 20% of respondentshighlighted: agreed with the statement with 74% disagreeing. The general responsesThe general indicate responses that parkingindicate that provision parking provisionis adequate is adequate and aand strong a strong majority majority would not want to see yellowwould line notrestrictions want to see introduced. yellow line restrictions Individual introduced comments. Individual highlighted: comments highlighted: 8 • School drop off parking issues, parents not using current car park and restricting the Wennington road at drop off/pick-up times • Better parking at village shop would be an asset 8 • Bicycle stand provision at village shop and/or Jubilee bench by the Abbots Elm
8 • School drop off parking issues, parents not using current car park and restricting the Wennington road at drop off/pick-up times • Better parking at village shop would be an asset • Bicycle stand provision at village shop and/or Jubilee bench by the Abbots Elm
Q10 Q10 Road signage inRoad the signageParish inis theappropriate Parish is appropriate and does and not does require not require change. change.
% of Respondents n=101 90 80
70 16.8 60 50 40 30 59.4 20 5.9 10 10.9 6.9 0 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion
Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion
76.2% of respondents76.2% ofagreed respondents with theagreed statement with the statementwith 16.8% with disagreeing.16.8% disagreeing. 23 comments were received, the majority expressing that we have too much signage. 23 comments wereOther received, comments the recommended: majority expressing that we have too much signage. Other comments recommended: • Speed sensitive signage for the school – (driver actual speed signs to replace • Speed sensitivethe signage current flashingfor the 30mphschool signs – (driver at school actual times) speed signs to replace the current fashing 30mph• Qualitysigns improvementat school times) of existing signage • Add a central Village name plaque/sign for Abbots Ripton • Quality improvementQ11 of existing signage Street lighting in the Parish is appropriate and does not require change. • Add a central Village name plaque/sign for Abbots Ripton
Q11 Street lighting in the Parish is appropriate and does not require change.
% of Respondents % of Respondents Abbots Ripton Wennington n=99 n=67 70 70 60 60 21 50 50 19 40 40 30 30 7 9 20 44 20 39 32 10 22 10 3 0 6 0 7
Agree Strongly Agree Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion No Opinion
65.6% of respondents65.6% ofagreed respondents with theagreed statement with the statementwith 29.3% with disagreeing29.3% disagreeing for Abbots for Abbots Ripton, and 58.2% of respondentsRipton, agreeingand 58.2% with of respondents the statement agreeing and with 10.5% the statement disagreeing and 10.5% for Wennington.disagreeing A clear for Wennington. A clear majority in the Parish believe that the street lighting is majority in the Parishadequate. believePlease that note the all streetrespondents lighting had is the adequate. opportunity Please to comment note on all bot respondentsh Abbots had the opportunity toRipton comment and We onnnington, both Abbots the overall Ripton n number and wasWennington, 102 so some the respondents overall n had number an was 102 so some respondentsopinion had for both an opinionvillages. for both villages. 55 respondents commented:55 respondents commented: • The majority reinforcing that the rural atmosphere and dark sky/lack of light • The majority reinforcingpollution would that bethe damaged rural atmosphere by increased andstreet dark lighting sky/lack levels of light pollution would be damaged •byI mprovementsincreased street were alsolighting recommended levels o Move to LED for existing lights o Improve the aesthetic quality of the street lights (Wennington) 9 o Lower light levels from Abbots Elm car park o Make specific improvements to street lighting from the Abbots Elm to Station Road Q13 Abbots Ripton should have a controlled crossing point (zebra crossing) aligned with the footpath in front of the new houses by the church and the footpath on the school boundary.
10 • Improvements were also recommended o Move to LED for existing lights o Improve the aesthetic quality of the street lights (Wennington) o Lower light levels from Abbots Elm car park o Make specifc improvements to street lighting from the Abbots Elm to Station Road
Q13 Abbots Ripton should have a controlled crossing point (zebra crossing) aligned with the footpath in front of the new houses by the church and the footpath on the school boundary.
% of Respondents n=100 70 60 26 50 % of Respondents n=100 40 70 30 60 8 20 38 50 26 10 21 40 7 0 30 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 8 20 Agree38 Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 10 21 7 0 64% of respondents64% agreedof respondentsAgreement with the agreed statementDisagreement with the statementwith 28%No withOpinion disagreeing. 28% disagreeing. A clear A clear majority majority of of respondents support the provision of a controlled crossing point. This is strongly respondents supportsupported the provision inAgree severalStrongly of of the a Agree controlledcommentsDisagree crossingStrongly Disagreepoint. ThisNo Opinion is strongly supported in several of the commentsQ14 64%Existing of respondents tarmac pavements agreed with and the footpaths statement are with adequate 28% disagreeing. for safe child A clear access majority to ofthe respondents school from support all points the provisionin the village of a controlled (AR). crossing point. This is strongly Q14 supported in several of the comments Q14 % of Respondents n=100 Existing tarmacExisting pavements tarmac and pavements footpaths and footpathsare adequate are adequate for safe for childsafe child access access to to the school from all points inthe60 the school village from (AR). all points in the village (AR). 50
40 9 % of Respondents n=100 26 3060
2050 33 40 22 10 9 26 10 300 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 20 Agree33 Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 10 22 10 0 42% of respondentsAgreement agreedDisagreement with the statementNo withOpinion 48% disagreeing.
A small majorityAgree holdStrongly the viewAgree thatDisagree existing tarmacStrongly Disagreepaths to theNo schoolOpinion are inadequate and the majority of the 39 comments received support that opinion. Key 42%recommendations of respondents made agreed include: with the statement with 48% disagreeing. 42% of respondents• agreedComplete with tarmac the statementpaths from all with residential 48% disagreeing. points in the village to the school in A small majority holdA small theAbbots majority view Ripton thathold .theexisting view that tarmac existing paths tarmac to paths the school to the school are inadequate are inadequate and the • Widen the path in the section from the Post Office to the school to improve safety majority of the 39and comments the majority received of the 39 supportcomments that received opinion. support Key that recommendations opinion. Key made include: recommendations• A new rural madefootpath include: from the pub car park rear to the school car park across the • Complete tarmac• Completeback paths of Foxenfields fromtarmac all paths residentialavoiding from allroad residential points frontage. in points the village in the village to the to schoolthe school in inAbbots A later section of the survey deals more comprehensively with footpaths in general. This Ripton. Abbots Ripton. section• Widen is specific the path to safe in the school section access from. the Post Office to the school to improve safety Q15• A new rural footpath from the pub car park rear to the school car park across the Abbotsback Ripton of Foxenfields and Wennington avoiding need road a frontage. regular bus service to connect to 10 AHuntingdon/St later section of Ives the .survey deals more comprehensively with footpaths in general. This section is specific to safe school access. 11 Q15 Abbots Ripton and Wennington need a regular bus service to connect to Huntingdon/St Ives. 11 • Widen the path in the section from the Post Offce to the school to improve safety • A new rural footpath from the pub car park rear to the school car park across the back of Foxenfelds avoiding road frontage. A later section of the survey deals more comprehensively with footpaths in general. This section is specifc to safe school access.
Q15 Abbots Ripton and Wennington need a regular bus service to connect to Huntingdon/St Ives.
% of Respondents n=103 80
60 % of Respondents n=103 34 4080 60 20 38.834 2.9 9.7 14.6 400 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 20 38.8 2.9 Agree Strongly Agree9.7 Disagree Strongly14.6 Disagree No Opinion 0 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 72.8% of respondents72.8% ofagreed respondentsAgree withStrongly theagreed Agree statement withDisagree the statementwithStrongly 12.6% with Disagree disagreeing.12.6% Nodisagreeing. Opinion A clear A clear and and strong strong majority support the introduction of a bus service from the villages to majority support theHuntingdon/St introduction Ives. of a bus service from the villages to Huntingdon/St Ives. Q1672.8% of respondents agreed with the statement with 12.6% disagreeing. A clear and Ifstrong a regularmajority bus support service the were introduction in place of(say a bus hourly), service I estimate from the villagesmy usage to to be; Q16 Huntingdon/St Ives. Q16 If a regular bus Ifservice a regular were bus servicein place were %(say Respondentsin place hourly), (say n=99hourly),I estimate I estimate my usage my usage to be;to be;
% Respondents n=99 Users 34.4 14.4 4 5
Users 34.4 14.4 4 5 Non Users 42.4
Non Users 0 10 2042.4 30 40 50 60 70 < weekly > weekly 3-4 times per week Daily Never 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 57.6% of respondents< weekly >estimate weekly that3-4 they times would per weekmake useDaily of regularNever bus service.
Alconbury Weald developments are a potential facilitator for making an extension of the 57.6% of respondentsguided57.6% ofestimatebus respondents network that viable estimate they and would routingthat they make could would beuse makeset of to regular useinclude of regular Abbotsbus service.bus Ripton service. and possibly Wennington. This would require a Clay Lane entrance to the Alconbury Weald Alconbury WealdsiteAlconbury developments. The recommendations Weald developments are a potential section are willa facilitator potential take into facilitator accountfor making forboth making transportan extension an extensionand Alconbury of ofthe the guided bus network viable andWealdguided routing impactbus network could concerns beviable setreflected and to includerouting in the could survey Abbots be responses set Ripton to include toand make Abbots possibly a balanced Ripton Wennington. and response This possibly Wennington. This would require a Clay Lane entrance to the Alconbury Weald would require a Clayas part Lane of the entrance Parish Plan to. the Alconbury Weald site. The recommendations section Recommendations/Actionssite. The recommendations section arising will from take Survey into account responses both transport to Secti andon 1 Alconbury will take into accountTransport/Roads/Weald both impact transport concernsRoad and reflected Safety. Alconbury in the survey Weald responses impact to concerns make a balanced refected response in the survey responses to makeas parta balanced of the Parish response Plan. as part of the Parish Plan. SummaryRecommendations/Actions arising from Survey responses to Section 1 ClearTransport/Roads/ concerns haveRoad been Safety. raised regarding traffic volumes and speed through Abbots Ripton and the general level of road maintenance. Recognising that improvement measuresSummary will require support from multiple external agencies (Council, Highways DepartmentClear concerns and have Police) been rec raisedommendations regarding are traffic made volumes to help andthe speed prioritisation through and Abbots assignmentRipton and theof funding general when level availableof road maintenance. to address these Recognising issues. that improvement measures will require support from multiple external agencies (Council, Highways SafeDepartment pedestrian and accessPolice) torec theommendations school from allare points made in to the help villagethe prioritisation is a recurrent and concern andassignment is strongly of fundinglinked to when the road available traffic to issues. address these issues. 11 12 Safe pedestrian access to the school from all points in the village is a recurrent concern and is strongly linked to the road traffic issues. 12 Recommendations/Actions arising from Survey responses to Section 1 Transport/Roads/ Road Safety. Summary Clear concerns have been raised regarding traffc volumes and speed through Abbots Ripton and the general level of road maintenance. Recognising that improvement measures will require support from multiple external agencies (Council, Highways Department and Police) recommendations are made to help the prioritisation and assignment of funding when available to address these issues. Safe pedestrian access to the school from all points in the village is a recurrent concern and is strongly linked to the road traffc issues. The impact of Alconbury Weald, Wyton housing and commercial developments, and the opportunity for provision of public transport access in the Parish are further areas of interest eliciting strong responses from residents. Survey responses indicate that a clear majority of residents believe parking provision is adequate and that parking restrictions (yellow lines) should not be introduced in the future. The majority feeling is that there should be no increase in street furniture and current lighting levels in order to maintain the rural atmosphere in both Abbots Ripton and Wennington. There was no mandate for change. Recommended actions for consideration based on the survey responses are:
Issue: Traffc calming / speed management through Abbots Ripton and Wennington. Both statistical response numbers and the narrative comments make this the top priority issue in the Transport/Roads/Safety section. Speeding through Abbots Ripton is a major concern.
Recommended solution(s): 1. Re-site the start of the 30mph zone on the northern side of Abbots Ripton to just before the Clay lane junction and the railway bridge turn. 2. Replace fashing 30mph school signs with electronic signs showing the actual speed of the approaching vehicle. 3. 20mph section by the school and through Wennington.
Stakeholders Local/PC HDC County ARFCo Other
Yes Yes Highways & Police
Priority High
Resources/ Funding Required: To be advised by the stakeholders
Expected Outcome: Increased provision for speed management through the villages.
12 Recommended Next Steps: 1. Proposal to be tabled by Parish Council for consideration by Highways department. 2. Currently under investigation by Parish Council. Infrastructure (the existing school signs) could be upgraded to speed activated dynamic signs. 3. Proposal to be tabled by Parish Council for consideration by Abbots Ripton School Governors and Council Highways department. Speed management through Abbots Ripton will be further improved with enhanced traffc calming measures agreed as part of the planning granted for Alconbury Weald over a four-year period from 2016. Specifc schemes will be developed by Highways department in consultation with the Parish Council.
Issue: Potential increase in traffc volumes through the Parish with housing and commercial development of Alconbury Weald and Wyton
Recommended solution(s): 1. Construction traffc exclusion to Alconbury Weald via site access from Clay Lane. 2. Ongoing general access restrictions from Alconbury Weald to Clay Lane to avoid developing a further traffc short cut through the Parish to the A141 going east.
Stakeholders Local/PC HDC County ARFCo Other
Urban & Civic, Highways & Yes Yes Yes Police
Priority High
Resources/ Funding Required: No particular funding required. See recommended next steps.
Recommended Next Step: 1. Undertaking has been given by Urban & Civic (Alconbury Weald) to the District Council and Parish Council that Clay Lane will not be used for Construction access to the Weald 2. Written undertaking received from Urban & Civic that Clay Lane shall not be used for access except for emergency vehicles and cyclists. In the event of a future bus service it is the intention that this would use the Clay Lane access. Physical barriers (rising bollards) will be implemented to prevent unauthorised access.
Issue: Road maintenance Abbots Ripton to Huntingdon and Abbots Ripton to Wennington. Concerns were raised at the level of “edge of carriageway” damage including potholes and in the case of the Wennington road inadequate passing places.
13 Recommended solution(s): 1. Urgent repairs to the B1090 and a better ongoing maintenance programme. 2. Resurfacing and edge reconstruction of the Wennington road. 3. Refuges/passing places to be surfaced to carriageway standards. 4. Lobby for better access roads around Huntingdon to alleviate through village traffc.
Stakeholders Local/PC HDC County ARFCo Other
Yes Yes Highways Dept.
Priority High
Resources/ Funding Required: Resource prioritisation from County Council Highways Department.
Expected Outcome: 1. Patch repair work has been completed in 2016 to the worst affected areas however this is not a long-term solution compared to a thorough re-surfacing and edge reconstruction. 2. As 1 above. 3. PC to lobby County Councilor and Highways department. 4. PC to lobby County Councilor and Highways department.
Recommended Next Step: PC to lobby for resurfacing and improvements and to identify the likely schedule/timetable for future highways work and road improvements.
Issue: Safe road crossing point for Abbots Ripton School access.
Recommended solution(s): • A controlled crossing point (zebra crossing) to be installed in a central village location (from the almshouses to the school boundary footpath).
Stakeholders Local/PC HDC County ARFCo Other
Yes Yes Highways Dept. & Police
Priority High
Resources/ Funding Required: See recommended next step.
Expected Outcome: • Safer access to Abbots Ripton School. • Enhanced speed management through the village.
Recommended Next Step: Parish Council to review feasibility.
14 Issue: Safe school access from all points in the village.
Recommended solution(s): 1. Complete tarmac paths from all residential points in the village to Abbots Ripton School. 2. Widen the footpath section from the Post Offce/Shop to the school. 3. Develop a rural footpath from the rear of the Abbots Elm car park across the back of Foxenfelds to the school car park avoiding road frontage.
Stakeholders Local/PC HDC County ARFCo Other
Yes Yes Yes Highways
Priority High
Resources/ Funding Required: PC to review potential funding sources and any match funding available to cover items 1 & 2. Item 3 requires a detailed review with the landowners for feasibility.
Expected Outcome: Improvements to school access footpaths.
Recommended Next Step: PC to review and make recommendations against all three items
Issue: Provision of a bus service from Abbots Ripton/Wennington to Huntingdon/St Ives. Recognising that extending a bus service to the Parish solely to serve the residents is unlikely to be viable, residents were surveyed to establish support and potential usage if future bus services planned for the Alconbury Weald development were to be routed through the Parish. A large majority of responding residents support the inclusion of Abbots Ripton in any planned services that may access Alconbury Weald via Clay Lane.
Recommended solution(s): Include Abbots Ripton in the routing of services planned to connect Alconbury Weald to the Cambridge guided bus network and/or the Huntingdon/St Ives bus services.
Stakeholders Local/PC HDC County ARFCo Other
Bus Service Provider, Urban & Yes Yes Yes Civic
Priority High
Resources/ Funding Required: No particular funding required. Inclusion in current public transport planning.
Expected Outcome: Inclusion of the Parish in new bus routings from Alconbury Weald.
15 A view from the Huntingdon Road
View towards Station Road
16 Section 2 – Network Rail and the building of a station near Abbots Ripton. Questions 17-22Section 2 – Network Rail and the building of a station near Abbots Ripton. Section 2 – Network Rail and the building of a station near Questions 17-22 Abbots Ripton. Q17 Q17Questions 17-22 Building a railwayBuilding station a railway is advantageous station is advantageous for our Parish. for our Parish. Q17 Building a railway station is advantageous for our Parish. % of Respondents n=100 80 % of Respondents n=100 70 6080 32 5070 60 40 32 3050 40 20 40 10 1030 13 200 40 10 5 10 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 13 5 0 Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion Agreement Disagreement No Opinion
Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion A high proportion A(72.00%) high proportion agreed (72.00%) that the agreed building that the of building a railway of a railwaystation station would would be advantageous be to advantageous to the Parish. 23.00% disagreed and 5.00% had no opinion. the Parish. 23.00%A highdisagreed proportion and (72.00%) 5.00% agreed had nothat opinion. the building of a railway station would be advantageousQ18 to the Parish. 23.00% disagreed and 5.00% had no opinion. There should be liaison with the Parish about exactly where the station should be Q18 Q18sited. There should be liaison with the Parish about exactly where the station should be There should besited. liaison with the Parish about exactly where the station should be sited. % of Respondents n=101 100 % of Respondents n=101 80 100 60 65.4 80 40 60 65.4 20 28.6 40 0 1 4 20 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 28.6 0 Agree Strongly Agree 1 Disagree Strongly4 Disagree No Opinion Agreement Disagreement No Opinion
Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion An extremely high percentage of respondents (94%) agreed that there should be liaison with the Parish about exactly where the railway station should be cited. 1% felt that An extremely highAnthe percentage reextremely shouldn’t high beof liaisonpercentagerespondents and 4 of% resp had (94%)ondents no opinion. agreed (94 %) At that agreedthe timethere that of askingshouldthere should respondents, be liaison be liaison with withthe siting the Parish of the aboutproposed exactly station where was the not railway clear. station Current should information be cited. from 1% Alconbury felt that the Parish about exactlytheWealdre shouldn’t has where confirmed be the liaison railwaythat and the 4siting station% had is proposedno should opinion. asbe Atshown cited. the time on 1% theof askingfelt enclosed that respondents, there maps andshouldn’t is be liaison and 4%twithin hehad siting theno ofAlconburyopinion. the proposed Weald At the station boundary time was of notadjacentasking clear. respondents,to Current the existing information railway the sitingfrom line. Alconbury of the proposed station was not clear.Weald Current has confirmed information that the sitingfrom isAlconbury proposed as Weald shown hason the confrmed enclosed maps that andthe issiting is proposed as shownwithin on the the Alconbury enclosed Weald maps boundary and is adjacent within theto the Alconbury existing railway Weald line. boundary adjacent to the existing railway line. 17
17
17 Q19 Q19 The station needsThe stationto be accessibleneeds to be accessible for parishioners. for parishioners.
Q19 Car Access Bicycle Access Pedestrian Access The stationn=93 needs to be accessible forn=92 parishioners. n=96 1 9 1 7 4 Car Access Bicycle4 Access Pedestrian4 Access 28 28 13 n=93 33 n=92 n=96
6 1 9 1 7 4 4 4 13 33 28 28 60 63 39 6
Agree Agree Agree 60 63 39 Strongly Agree Strongly Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Agree Strongly Disagree Strongly Disagree Strongly Disagree Strongly Agree Strongly Agree Strongly Agree No Opinion No Opinion No Opinion Disagree Disagree Disagree Strongly Disagree Strongly Disagree Strongly Disagree There was a strong feeling that a future station needs to be accessible for parishioners. There was a strongNo feeling Opinion that a future stationNo Opinion needs to be accessibleNo Opinion for parishioners. 90.63% wanted it to be accessible90.63% wanted by itfoot, to be 88.04% accessible by by bicycle foot, 88.04% and 72.04%by bicycle by and car. 72.04% The by strongest car. The to strongest to disagree was access by car (at 19.35% and this section also had the disagree was accesslargest bygroup car expressing (at 19.35% a ‘no and opinion’ this (atsection 8.60%). also had the largest group expressing a There was a strong feeling that a future station needs to be accessible for parishioners. ‘no opinion’ (at 90.63%8.60%). wanted it to be accessible by foot, 88.04% by bicycle and 72.04% by car. The Q20 strongest to disagree was access by car (at 19.35% and this section also had the The Planners need to ensure that a railway station does not put additional largest group expressing a ‘no opinion’ (at 8.60%). pressure on the roads that run through the village. Q20 Q20 The Planners needThe Planners to ensure need thatto ensure a% railway of that Respondents a railwaystation stationn=101 does doesnot putnot putadditional additional pressure on the pressure on the roads that run through the village. roads that run through100 the village. 90 80 % of Respondents n=101 70 10060 72.2 9050 8040 7030 6020 72.2 5010 22.8 400 30 2 30 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 20 Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 10 22.8 0 30 2 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion
Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 18 An extremely high proportion (95%) agreed that planners need to ensure that a railway station does not put additional pressure on the village roads. Only 3% disagreed and 2% had no opinion. 18
18 An extremely high proportion (95%) agreed that planners need to ensure that a railway station does not put additional pressure on the village roads. Only 3% disagreed and 2% had no opinion.
An extremely high proportion (95%) agreed that planners need to ensure that a railway station does not put additional pressure on the village roads. Only 3% disagreed and Q21 2% had no opinion. Q21 Construction accessConstruction should access be shouldprohibited be prohibited through through Abbots Abbots Ripton. Ripton.
% of Respondents n=103 Q21 Construction90 access should be prohibited through Abbots Ripton. 80 70 60 % of Respondents n=103 50 57.3 4090 3080 2070 1060 19.4 12.6 10.7 500 57.3 40 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 30 20 Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 10 19.4 12.6 10.7 0 A high proportionA high (76.70%) proportionAgreement agreed (76.70%) thatDisagreement agreed construction that construction Noaccess Opinion access should should be prohibitedbe prohibited through Abbots through Abbots Ripton. 12.6% disagreed and 10.7% had no opinion. Ripton. 12.6% disagreedAgree and 10.7%Strongly Agree had noDisagree opinion.Strongly Disagree No Opinion Q22 Noise levels should be kept to a minimum (especially at night time) during the Aconstruction high proportion period. (76.70%) agreed that construction access should be prohibited Q22 through Abbots Ripton. 12.6% disagreed and 10.7% had no opinion. Q22 Noise levels shouldNoise levels be kept should to bea %minimum kept of Respondents to a minimum (especially n=102 (especially at night at night time) time) duringduring the the construction period. construction100 period. 90 80 70 % of Respondents n=102 60 69.6 10050 4090 3080 2070 60 10 69.621.6 2.9 500 5.9 40 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 30 20 Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 10 21.6 2.9 0 5.9 An extremelyAgreement high proportionDisagreement (91.2%) agreed Nothat Opinion noise levels (especially at night) should be kept to a minimum during the construction period. 2.9% disagreed and 5.9% Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion had no opinion. This section received 32 comments and the comments were rather varied: An extremely highAn -extremely proportionThere high were (91.2%) proportion a few agreedcomments (91.2%) that agreed on hownoise that a railway levelsnoise levelsstation (especially (especially would benefit at atnight) night) and shouldbe be kept should be advantageouskept to a minimum to the duri Parish.ng the construction period. 2.9% disagreed and 5.9% to a minimum duringhad no theopinion. construction period. 2.9% disagreed and 5.9% had no opinion. This section receivedThis section 32 comments received 32 commentsand the comments and the comments were wererather rather varied: varied: - There were a few comments on how a railway station would benefit and be 19 - There were aadvantageous few comments to the on Parish. how a railway station would beneft and be advantageous to the Parish. - There were also several comments saying that it was completely unnecessary19 and not needed given the close proximity of both Huntingdon and Peterborough. - There were a number of respondents who raised concerns about becoming a commuter village with all the ensuing potential traffc implications especially if neighbouring parishes found the new station easier to access than Huntingdon and Peterborough. There were some concerns about construction traffc going through Abbots Ripton and also Wennington. - Parking concerns were also raised as being a signifcant issue. - Numerous comments on how realistic a new station is and whether this is merely a hypothetical idea.
19 Recommendations/Actions arising from Survey responses to Section 2 Network Rail and the building of a station near Abbots Ripton Summary Since work originally started on the Parish Plan process there has been more information received regarding the future railway station. The location has been proposed but not yet fxed and indeed the business case for its construction has only recently been submitted by Urban & Civic (the Alconbury Weald developers) to the District Planning department. The illustration overleaf shows the proposed location in relation to Huntingdon and Abbots Ripton. The station will be located on the west (northbound) side of the line and will not be accessed from the southbound side other that via one of the three access roads to Alconbury Weald; the existing Stukeley entrance, the Clay Lane entrance (only emergency vehicles, buses and cyclists) and a new entrance to the southeast of the site. Station parking will be to the west of the station i.e. there will be no parking facilities on the east side of the tracks i.e. the Abbots Ripton side. In terms of the Parish Plan analysis there was an overall feeling that the building of a railway station would be advantageous to the Parish and there was almost unanimous agreement that despite not being situated in the Parish there should be close liaison with the Parish as to the exact location of the proposed station. A high percentage of parishioners wanted accessibility by car, by bicycle and by foot though somewhat contradictorily were also frm in their views that the new railway station should not put additional pressure on the village roads. There was a strong feeling that construction access through the village should be prohibited and the noise levels especially at night should be kept to a minimum.
The East Coast Main Line
20 BM 47.57m
Dra
in 44.5m Pond The Heath Planning Application Boundary
n Drai
47.7m Fellowes Farm Cottages
Dr a in Boulton's Hunch Wood
rm Fa d Fellowes Farm l es g fefie ta ck 1.22m Tk H a
Sa Cot Tr 1 in
Dra 2 D r Pond ai n Track Pond n Dr ai a Dr in
Tr ac ain k Dr Drain
Drai Tr n ack Pond Drain Other land under the Round Wood Pond
ain r D Round Wood Pond Drain Dra in applicant's control Safefield Farm
45.1m
Po n d Pond Pond
Park Farm Cottages
Drain Pond Pond BM 46.05m Boulton House
Pond BM 45.04m 44.9m LAND USES: n ai Dr
Little Less Wood
Tr n ac Drai k
Long Coppice ain Dr Pond Enterprise Zone
44.7m
Hermitage Wood Pond
Pond ain Dr Drain Development Areas 1,2 & 3 Ponds Pond Abbots rain Path (um) D
n ck Drai Tra Track n Drai
Drain Track n ai The Heath Dr
in NE Dra
Water LA Little Less Wood 31.5m Ripton Development Areas outside
Water CLAY Trac k k D The Heath rain Trac n ai
Dr
Hermitage Wood Track Enterprise Zone 4,5 & 6
Track D rai n n rai D
ck n SP Tra Drai
Tr in 40.8m ra ack Path (um) Path D Clay Lane
n BM 40.21m ai Dr 40.9m
MP .75 39.2m Scott's Heritage Area T ra Lodge ck Drain BM 41.32m BM 47.27m Pond 45.0m
Drain
nd Po 1 2
Brooklands Cottages ain Dr in
Long Coppice LANE CLAY Dra Brooklands Farm Further Education & Sports
BM 42.31m in Dra
Run wa y Ap Campus pro ach Light s 42.0m
Dr
ain Long Coppice Development Area 7 44.1m in Dra
Pond
43.0m
CLAY LANE
D rain MP .5
n i Sluice Dra Open Space Sluice
Reservoir
in
Dra
Pond
Dr Drain Tr
ain ac Sluice k T Sluice rac Top Farm k n Existing woodland ai 40.2m Reservoir Dr Drain Track Track
Drain ck Tra The Bungalow Sluice
in Dra Sluice Drain East Coast Main Line Drain Proposed woodland
Pond
Dra
Track i n Proposed
MP 0.25
Drain
ain r D Permeable Woodland
Pond n ai Dr
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T rac k Railway ACCESS:
Drain Station General Access Point
Ermin
e S tr eet
ROMAN
E ROA D
ain
Dr SCHOOL LAN Clay Lane potential bus, cycle Track & pedestrian access
Sinks 31.2m
BM 31.29m
El Filling El Sub Station Sub Sta Sta PondPond
Motel Footpath/cycleway/bridleway
45.9m
Water SL
Filling RUSTS LANE connection Station 29.0m Masts El Sub Sta
Dr
ain
Tank Pylon MP.75
E rm in e S t re Mast Garage et
Regent House
Pond b Sta El Su Primary Route including Water
RO M AN RO
A D
Home Farm
Pond Subway A 1(M)
A 1(M) Pilliar BM 48.25m Track Shipman Spinney A 14 El Sub Sta A 14 Busway Hill House The Alconbury El Sub Sta House Cottage Reservoir Sports Field A 14 Reservoir The Cottage A 14 Alconbury ond P Airfield Alconbury House Alconbury Airfield Issues
Pond Reservoir 22 Sports Field
Pond
BM 47.59m PRING Telephone Exchange LE
Pringle Farm COURT 1 20
Garage Alternative site access points 5
T A/B
Tank Shelter rack 10 The Paddock Tanks 39 Drain Drai 46.7m
n
8 4 2 Tanks to A141 48.1m PRINGLE WAY
25 45.6m Drain
Moat Prestley Wood
ain r D
RAF Drain FACILITIES:
Pond
Lodge Farm Great Stukeley Lodge Cottage Little Alconbury Primary School & Local Facilities
Stukeley MP .25 Pond Pond The Hub
B1043 Ermine Street Interchange Facilities
N Land reserved for possible future railway station
0m 500m 1km Land reserved for post 16 educational uses
STATUTORY DESIGNATIONS: Great Listed Buildings Stukeley Scheduled Monument A1 B A SSSI
A141Spittals Way Alconbury Weald proposed station Huntingdon
N Huntingdon Station 0m 500m 1km 21
Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and database right 2010 All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100022533 Alconbury Weald
Date Scale 25-07-12 1:10,000 @ A1 DAVID LOCK ASSOCIATES LIMITED Drawn Designed Approved Drawing Number Revision Parameter Plan 50 NORTH THIRTEENTH STREET, CENTRAL MILTON KEYNES, MK9 3BP TEL: 01908 666276 FAX : 01908 605747 EMAIL: [email protected] DG KB/SC SC/PDC UAC002 - 220 R www.davidlock.com Recommended actions for consideration based on the survey responses are:
Issue: Ensuring now that the location has been agreed, that the railway station is accessible by a variety of means yet does not add to the pressure on the local roads.
Recommended Actions: • Stakeholders (PC, HDC, CC, Highways & Urban & Civic) to continue to look in detail at access roads / tracks serving the new station, to look at parking provision for the new station and endeavour to work together to predict traffc fows and possible rat runs. • Real time communication with parishioners. • Feeding back parishioners views to the decision-making bodies.
Stakeholders Local/PC HDC County ARFCo Other
Highways, Yes Yes Yes Network Rail Urban & Civic
Priority High
Resources/ Funding Required: Leafets, newsletters, possible hiring of Village Hall for information events. Expected Outcome: A fully informed community that feel that their views have been properly represented. Recommended Next Step: Continued on-going liaison with HDC, CC, Network Rail and Urban & Civic.
Issue: Ensuring there are safeguards to prohibit construction access and keep construction noise to a minimum (especially at night).
Recommended Actions: PC, HDC & CC to continue to lobby and infuence with regards to the above. • Effective real time communication with parishioners. • Feeding back parishioners views to the decision-making bodies.
Stakeholders Local/ HDC County ARFCo Other PC
Highways, Network Rail & Yes Yes Yes Urban & Civic
Priority High
Resources/ Funding Required: Leafets, newsletters, possible hiring of Village Hall for information events.
Expected Outcome: A fully informed community that feel that their views have been properly represented.
22 Section 3 - The Environment and Conservation. (Questions 23-48)
Section 3 - The Environment and Conservation. Q23 (Questions 23-48) Q23 Further Solar FarmFurther development Solar Farm developmentnear or in thenear Parish or in the is Parish undesirable. is undesirable.
% of Respondents n=101 60 50 40 32.7 30 7.9 20 10 23.7 24.8 10.9 0 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion
Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion
56.4% of respondents56.4% are of opposed respondents to further are opposed solarto farm further development solar farm development in the Parish in the with Parish 32.7% with supporting. 32.7% supporting. Q24 Wind Farm development near or in the Parish is undesirable. Q24 Wind Farm development near or in the Parish is undesirable.
% of Respondents n=101 70 60 50 % of Respondents n=101 40 44.6 70 30 60 20 5.9 50 10 18.8 18.8 40 44.6 11.9 23 0 30 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 20 5.9 10 Agree18.8 Strongly Agree18.8 Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 11.9 0 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 63.4% of respondents63.4 %are of respondentsopposed to are wind opposed farm to developmentwind farm development in the inParish the Parish with with 24.7% 24.7% supporting. supporting.Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion Q25 63.4Shale% Gasof respondents exploration are (Fracking) opposed toor windany otherfarm development forms of mineral in the extractionParish with near 24.7% or Q25 supporting.in the Parish is undesirable. Shale Gas explorationQ25 (Fracking) or any other forms of mineral extraction near or in the Shale Gas exploration (Fracking)% of Respondents or any other n=102 forms of mineral extraction near or Parish is undesirable.in the Parish is undesirable. 90 80 70 % of Respondents n=102 60 90 50 59.8 4080 3070 2060 5.9 1050 59.817.7 9.8 400 6.8 30 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 20 Agree Strongly Agree5.9 Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 10 17.7 9.8 0 6.8 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 77.5% of respondents are opposed to any form of mineral extraction in the Parish with 15.7% supporting.Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion
Q26 77.5% of respondents77.5 are% of opposed respondents to anyare opposed form of tomineral any form extraction of mineral extractionin the Parish in the with Parish 15.7% with supporting. 15.7%Local individualsupporting. renewable energy initiatives (solar, wind, combined heat and power/biomass, self-generation and ground heating/cooling) should be supported 23 Q26subject to the normal planning processes. Local individual renewable energy initiatives (solar, wind, combined heat and power/biomass, self-generation and ground heating/cooling) should be supported subject to the normal planning processes.
24
24 Q26 Local individual renewable energy initiatives (solar, wind, combined heat and power/ biomass, self-generation and ground heating/cooling) should be supported subject to the normal planning processes.
% of Respondents n=98 80 70 60 26.5 50 40 30 49 20 % of9.2 Respondents n=98 10 80 9.2 0 6.1 70 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 60 26.5 Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 50 40 75.5%30 of respondents support individual renewable energy initiatives, subject to 75.5% of respondents support49 individual renewable energy initiatives, subject to planning consents, planning20 consents, with 18.4% opposing. with 18.4% opposing. 9.2 Q2710 9.2 Please0 add comments or suggestions you6.1 have regarding renewable energy developmentAgreement .Disagreement No Opinion Q27 Answered:Agree 20 Skipped:Strongly 84Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 20 comments were received regarding renewable energy development and mineral Please add commentsextraction. The strongor suggestions majority is opposed you to have further regarding commercial development renewable, but energy development.also75.5% su ofpportive respondents of individual support residential individualinitiatives renewable to increaseenergy initiatives, renewable subject energy to usage subjectplanning to consents, local planning with 18.4%consents, opposing. recognizing the Conservation status of the villages. Answered: 20 Q27Skipped: 84 WherePlease support add comments for renewables or was suggestions expressed it youwas balancedhave regarding with the need renewable to be 20 comments wereenergysensitive received developmentto the visual regarding impact. renewableon our rural environment energy development and the use of and the landmineral for food extraction. The strong majorityAnswered:production. is opposed 20 Skipped: to 84 further commercial development, but also supportive of individual residential20 comments initiatives were received to increase regarding renewable renewable energyenergy development usage subject and mineral to local planning extraction.Q28 The strong majority is opposed to further commercial development, but consents, recognizingFloalsood supportive prevention the Conservation of individual measures residential status are of initiativesadequate the villages. to increasein the Parish renewable. energy usage Where support subjectfor renewables to local planning was consents,expressed recognizing it was balanced the Conservation with the status need of the to villages.be sensitive to the visual impact onWhere our ruralsupport environment for renewables% andof was Respondents the expressed use of n=99 itthe was land balanced for food with theproduction. need to be sensitive80 to the visual impact on our rural environment and the use of the land for food produc70 tion. Q28 60 11.1 Q2850 Flood preventionFlo40 od preventionmeasures measures are adequate are adequate in the in Parish. the Parish. 30 57.6 20 10 % of2 Respondents n=9923.2 0 6.1 80 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 70 60 Agree11.1 Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 50 40 68.7% agree that flood prevention measures are adequate with 8.1% disagreeing. 30 57.6 20 1510 comments from respondents2 were received. 23.2Some concerns were expressed at future0 impact of the large developments6.1 outside of the Parish (Alconbury and Wyton) on local waterAgreement run off managementDisagreement on the networkNo Opinionof local drainage ditches. Some Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 25
68.7% agree that68.7% food agree prevention that flood preventionmeasures measures are adequate are adequate with 8.1%with 8.1% disagreeing. disagreeing. 15 comments from respondents were received. Some concerns were expressed at future impact of the large developments outside of the Parish (Alconbury and Wyton) on local water run off management on the network of local drainage ditches. Some 24 25 15 comments from respondents were received. Some concerns were expressed at future impact of the large developments outside of the Parish (Alconbury and Wyton) on local water run off management on the network of local drainage ditches. Some respondents raised specifc concerns at the maintenance of existing drainage ditches however the general consensus is strongly of the opinion that existing measures are adequate. respondents raised specific concerns at the maintenance of existing drainage ditches however the general consensus is strongly of the opinion that existing measures are adequate. Q29 Q29 Light pollutionLight is a pollutionproblem is ina problem the Parish in the (strong Parish (strong invasive invasive lighting lighting in inthe the villages villages or visible from surroundingor visible areas from i.e. surrounding Alconbury areas Weald). i.e. Alconbury Weald). respondents raised specific concerns at the maintenance of existing drainage ditches however the general consensus is strongly of the opinion that existing measures are adequate. % of Respondents n=97 50 Q29 Light40 pollution is a problem 5.2in the Parish (strong invasive lighting in the villages or visible from surrounding areas i.e. Alconbury Weald). 30 22.7
20 39.2 % of Respondents n=97 5010 16.5 16.4
400 5.2 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 30 Agree22.7 Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion
20 39.2
39.2%10 of respondents believe light pollution to be a problem with 44.4% disagreeing. 39.2% of respondentsOpinion isbelieve fairly16.5 evenly light divided, pollution however to be this a problemtopic16.4 did generate with 44.4% over 25 disagreeing. comments. Opinion is fairly evenly divided,0 however this topic did generate over 25 comments. • TheAgreement potential for AlconburyDisagreement Weald to becomeNo Opinion a more significant light pollution contributorAgree asStrongly it develops Agree isDisagree a concernStrongly. Disagree No Opinion • The potential• forFlood Alconbury lighting at Wealdthe Abbots to Elmbecome raised a several more commentssignifcant regarding light pollution intensity andcontributor as the direction potentially affecting traffic entering the village at night. it develops39.2% is aof concern. respondents believe light pollution to be a problem with 44.4% disagreeing. • Keep security lighting directed within the boundaries of the property. Opinion is fairly evenly divided, however this topic did generate over 25 comments. • Flood lighting at the Abbots Elm raised several comments regarding intensity and the directionQ30 potentially affecting traffc entering the village at night. The• openThe spaces potential available for Alconbury are an Weald asset to to become the Parish a more and significant should be light protected pollution contributor as it develops is a concern. from development. • Keep security• Floodlighting lighti directedng at the Abbotswithin Elmthe raisedboundaries several ofcomments the property. regarding intensity and the direction potentially affecting traffic entering the village at night. • Keep security lighting% directedof Respondents within the n=100 boundaries of the property. Q30 100 Q30 The open spacesThe80 openavailable spaces are available an asset are anto assetthe Parish to the Parish and shouldand should be beprotected protected from from development. development. 60 76 40
20 % of Respondents n=100 19 1000 31 1 80 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 60 76 40 An overwhelming 95% of respondents are in agreement with the statement. 20 19 0 31 1 Q31 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 26
An overwhelmingAn overwhelming95% of respondents 95% of respondents are in agreement are in agreement with thewith statement. the statement.
Q31 26 25 Q31
More / better accessMore / better to open access spaces to open is spaces required. is required.
More / better access to open% of spaces Respondents is required n=97. 60
50 % of Respondents n=97 19.6 4060
3050 19.6 6.2 2040 34 30 10 21.6 18.6 6.2 20 0 34 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 10 21.6 18.6 Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 0 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion The 20 commentsThe received20 commentsAgree addressed receivedStrongly Agree addressed makingDisagree bettermakingStrongly usebetter Disagree of use the of existing theNo Opinionexisting open open spaces spaces for village for village events and also concerns over footpaths that were consistent with the events and alsocomments concerns in otherover questionnairefootpaths that sections. were A consistent need for safe with footpath the commentsaccess to the in other questionnaire sections.schoolThe 20 fromcomments A allneed points received for in safeAbbots addressed footpath Ripton ismaking access consistently better to the useexpressed schoolof the existing throug fromhout allopen pointsthe spaces survey in Abbots Ripton is consistentlyresponses.for village expressed events The need and throughoutforalso a concernschildren’s the overplay survey footpathsarea was responses. thatalso werecommented consistent The needand with this for the is acovered children’s play incomments depth in followingin other questionnaire questions. sections. A need for safe footpath access to the area was also commentedschool from all and points this in Abbotsis covered Ripton in is depthconsistently in following expressed questions. throughout the survey Q32responses. The need for a children’s play area was also commented and this is covered Ain youngerdepth in following child playground questions. would be an asset for the Parish. Q32 Q32 A younger childA younger playground child playground would% be of would an Respondents asset be an for asset n=98 the for Parish. the Parish. 70 60 % of Respondents n=98 7050 27.6 6040
5030 27.6 4020 30.6 7.1 24.5 3010 10.2 200 Agreement30.6 Disagreement7.1 No Opinion 10 24.5 Agree Strongly Agree10.2 Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 0 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion
58.2% of respondentAgree Stronglys believe Agree a youngerDisagree childStrongly playgro Disagreeund wouldNo Opinion be an asset with 17.3% disagreeing.
58.2% of respondentsThis58.2% question of believerespondent prompted a syoungerbelieve a large a child numberyounger playground of child comments playgro would (47)und would– mostlybe anbe suggestinganasset asset with with 17.3% 17.3% disagreeing. disagreeing. locations. Four locations were the most commonly mentioned, in order of number of comments received: This question promptedThis1. questionVillage a large promptedhall (11) number a large of number comments of comments (47) – (47) mostly – mostly suggesting suggesting locations. Four locations. Four locations were the most commonly mentioned, in order of number of locations were the2. mostGlebe commonly field (opposite mentioned, Post Office) in (9) order of number of comments received: comments3. School received: grounds (5) 1. Village hall 4.1.(11)BrownieVillage hall hut (11) (4) 2. Glebe field (opposite Post Office) (9) 27 2. Glebe feld 3.(oppositeSchool grounds Post Offce) (5) (9) 4. Brownie hut (4) 3. School grounds (5) 27 4. Brownie hut (4)
26 Other comments raised: • Concerns of safe access and maintenance and liability insurance. • Low numbers of resident children making the cost /beneft prohibitive. • CoveringOther older comments age ranges raised: (Trim Trail, skateboard facilities).
• SympatheticOther• constructioncommentsConcerns ofraised: safe (wood access not and plastic). maintenance and liability insurance. • Priority relative• Low to numbersother potential of resident areas children of expenditure.making the cost /benefit prohibitive. • CoveringConcerns older of safe age access ranges and (Trim maintenance Trail, skateboard and liability facilities) insurance. . • SympatheticLow numbers construction of resident children(Wood not making Plastic) the. cost /benefit prohibitive. • PriorityCovering relative older ageto other ranges potential (Trim areasTrail, skateboardof expenditure facilities). . Q33 • Sympathetic construction (Wood not Plastic). Q33• Priority relative to other potential areas of expenditure. Would you andWould your you family, and your or your family, visitors, or your visitors, make usemake of use a playof a play facility facility and and what what age ranges best suits yourageQ33 needs? ranges best suits your needs? Would you and your family, or your visitors, make use of a play facility and what age ranges best suits your needs? % Respondents n=98
% Respondents n=98
Users 11.2 11.2 20.4
Users 11.2 11.2 20.4
Non Users 28.6 28.6
Non Users 28.6 28.6 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
0 > once10 per week20 30 > once40 per month50 60 70 seldom Never > once per week > once per month No opinion or not applicable seldom Never No opinion or not applicable Q34 Please indicate the number of children in each age range likely to use a Q34 playgroundQ34 . Please indicate the number of children in each age range likely to use a Please indicateplayground the number. of children in each age range likely to use a playground. Age Ranges % of Total (45) 0 Respondents n=29 Age Ranges % of Total (45) 0 Respondents n=29
24.5 40 24.5 40
35.5
35.5
2-4 Years 5-8 Years 9-11 Years
2-4 Years 5-8 Years 9-11 Years 28
28
27 Q35 & 36 Q35 & 36 If match fundingIf match were funding available, were Iavailable, would prioritiseI would prior spendingitise spending from from the the Parish Parish Council on a playground. Council on a playground. Q35 & 36 If match% funding of Respondents were available, n=94 I would priorWillingnessitise spending to make from a Donation the Parish Council on a playground. % Respondents n=88 50 45 0 40 % of Respondents n=94 Willingness to make a Donation 35 13.8 % Respondents n=88 50 30 25 45 0 25 40 16 20 35 13.8 15 29.8 30 25.5 25 10 52 25 14.9 5 16 20 0 23 15 29.8 Agreement Disagreement No 25.5Opinion 10 52 Agree 14.9 Strongly Agree 5 0 Disagree Strongly Disagree 23 AgreementNo OpinionDisagreement No Opinion Yes Maybe No Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree 43.6% of respondents43.6% of wouldrespondents prioritise would Parish prioritise Council Parish Council spending spending on a on playground a playground with with 30.8% 30.8% disagreeingNo Opinion . 48% of respondents are open toYes makingMaybe a donationNo if matching disagreeing. 48%funds of wererespondents made available are openfrom the to Council. making a donation if matching funds were made available from the43.6 Council.% of respondents would prioritise Parish Council spending on a playground with Q37 30.8% disagreeing. 48% of respondents are open to making a donation if matching fundsThe current were made network available of paths from is the adequate Council. and needs no further development. Q37 Q37 % of Respondents n=91 The current networkThe current of paths network is of adequate paths is adequate and needs and needs no further no further development. development. 60
50 % of Respondents n=91 40 22 60 11 30 50 20 40 22 28.6 30.8 10 11 30 7.6 0 20 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 28.6 30.8 10 Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 7.6 0 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 39.6% of respondents agree with the statement with 52.8% believing footpaths need further development.Agree Strongly The AgreequestionnaireDisagree promptedStrongly several Disagree potentialNo Opinion improvements and
29 39.6% of respondents39.6% of agreerespondents with theagree statement with the statement with 52.8% with 52.8 believing% believing footpaths footpaths need need further further development. The questionnaire prompted several potential improvements and development. The questionnaire prompted several potential improvements and asked respondents to prioritise them. The results are tabulated in Q38. 29
28 asked respondents to prioritise them. The results are tabulated in Q38.
Q38 Q38 If you believe theIf you current believe pathsthe current should paths be should improved/extended be improved/extended what what priorities priorities would you suggest. would you suggest.
Number of respondents (Overall n=80)
Cycle route to Huntingdon 27 31 11
Widen the path from shop to school 33 22 17
Direct Route from Village Hall to Village centre 25 30 13 across the village hall playing field
Rooks Lane to Grove Farm and Hall Lane 28 30 13
Abbots Elm to Home Farm Close 41 17 13
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%100% High Priority Low Priority No Opinion
From those responding,From those theresponding, clear priority the clear is priorityto extend is to extenda footpath a footpath to Home to Home Farm Farm Close Close and to widen and to widen the existing path between the Post Office and the School. the existing path between the Post Offce and the School. Comments alsoComment recommended:s also recommended: • Better access to the SGP site from Abbots Ripton. • Better access• Connectto the SGP from Stationsite from Road Abbots to Clay Ripton.Lane (would create a circular village/rural walk. • Connect from• OpenStation Estate Road gravel/concrete/tarmac to Clay Lane (would footpaths create to local a circular residents village/rural for cycling. walk. • Open Estate• gravel/concrete/tarmacConnect all village paths. footpaths to local residents for cycling. Q39 • ConnectExisting all village Footpath paths. marking and maintenance is adequate.
Q39 Existing Footpath marking and maintenance is adequate.
% of Respondents n=94 60
50 6.4 30 40 30 12.8 46.8 20 10 21.2 12.8 0 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion
Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion
53.2% of respondents53.2% of agreerespondents with theagree statement with the statement with 34.1% with 34.1% disagreeing. disagreeing. Most comments express concern at the quality of the footpath access to the school from Most commentsvarious express points concern in the village. at the quality of the footpath access to the school from various points in the village. Q40 How often do you use the public access footpaths?
Number of respondents (Overall n=93) 29
Local paths in the Parish for access 33 27 16 8
Dog walking, jogging, walks local to the 32 25 13 13 village
Longer walks between villages and 17 13 31 19 further afield
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%100% > Weekly Weekly < Once per month Never
Circa 70% of respondents are making use of local village paths at least weekly with a significant group of 37% making use of the longer distance paths on a similar frequency. The existing network of paths is clearly an important and well-used facet of the Parish.
Q41 The existing frequency of verge grass cutting and hedge trimming by HDC or the AR Estate is adequate.
31 % of Respondents n=94 60 50 6.4 40 30 12.8 46.8 20 10 21.2 12.8 0 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion
Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion
53.2% of respondents agree with the statement with 34.1% disagreeing. Most comments express concern at the quality of the footpath access to the school from various points in the village. Q40 Q40 How often do youHow oftenuse thedo you public use theaccess public footpaths? access footpaths?
Number of respondents (Overall n=93)
Local paths in the Parish for access 33 27 16 8
Dog walking, jogging, walks local to the 32 25 13 13 village
Longer walks between villages and 17 13 31 19 further afield
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%100% > Weekly Weekly < Once per month Never
Circa 70% of respondentsCirca 70% of respondentsare making are use making of local use ofvillage local village paths paths at least at least weekly weekly with with aa signifcant group of 37% makingsignificant use group of theof 37% longer making distance use of the paths longer on distance a similar paths frequency. on a similar The existing network frequency. The existing network of paths is clearly an important and well-used facet of of paths is clearlythe anParish. important and well-used facet of the Parish.
Q41 Q41 The existing frequency of verge grass cutting and hedge trimming by HDC or the AR Estate is adequate. The existing frequency of verge grass cutting and hedge trimming by HDC or the AR Estate is adequate.
% of Respondents n=101 31 70
60 9.9 50
40
30 7.9 50.5 20 27.7 10
0 4 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion
Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion
60.4% of respondents agree that the existing verge-cutting programme is adequate with 35.6% 60.4% of respondents agree that the existing verge-cutting programme is adequate with disagreeing. 35.6% disagreeing. Q42 The Jubilee Garden is an asset to the village and should be maintained.
% of Respondents n=101 90 80 70 25.7 60 50 40 30 51.5 20 2 10 15.8 30 0 5 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion
Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion
Respondents strongly support the maintenance of the Jubilee Gardens with 77.2% supporting the statement and only 7% disagreeing. Most comments recommend improvements to make it more usable, lowering the hedges and improving the grass cutting. Some comments reflected the play area responses recommending an adjacent location with access from one to the other. Q43 The Parish has enough benches overlooking our most scenic views.
32 % of Respondents n=101 70
60 9.9 50
40
30 7.9 50.5 20 27.7 10
0 4 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion
Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion
60.4% of respondents agree that the existing verge-cutting programme is adequate with Q42 35.6% disagreeing. Q42 The Jubilee GardenThe Jubilee is an Garden asset is to an the asset village to the andvillage should and should be maintained. be maintained.
% of Respondents n=101 90 80 70 25.7 60 50 40 30 51.5 20 2 10 15.8 0 5 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion
Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion
Respondents stronglyRespondents support strongly the support maintenance the maintenance of the Jubileeof the Jubilee Gardens Gardens with with 77.2% 77.2% supporting the supporting the statement and only 7% disagreeing. Most comments recommend statement and onlyimprovements 7% disagreeing. to make it more Most usable, comments lowering recommend the hedges and improvements improving the grass to make it more usable, loweringcutting. the hedges Some comments and improving reflected the playgrass area cutting. responses Some recommending comments an refectedadjacent the play area responseslocation recommending with access anfrom adjacent one to the location other. with access from one to the other. Q43 The Parish has enough benches overlooking our most scenic views. Q43 The Parish has enough benches overlooking our most scenic views.
% of Respondents n=98 70 60 7.1 50 % of Respondents n=98 40 70 32 30 60 51 20 7.1 2 50 10 22.5 40 17.4 0 30 Agreement51 Disagreement No Opinion 20 2 Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 10 17.4 22.5 0 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 58.1% of respondents agree with the statement with 19.4% disagreeing. Most 58.1% of respondentscomments agree cameAgree withfroStronglym thethe Agreeminority statementDisagree requesting withStrongly 19.4%more Disagree resting disagreeing. placesNo Opinion citing Most Glebe comments Field, came from the minorityWennington requesting looking more towards resting Abbots places Ripton, citing and Glebemore on Field, the village Wennington hall/green aslooking towards Abbots Ripton, 58.1%possibleand more of locations.respondents on the village agree withhall/green the statement as possible with 19.4% locations. disagreeing. Most commentsQ44 came from the minority requesting more resting places citing Glebe Field, WenningtonThe Parish haslooking adequate towards litterbins Abbots Ripton, in the rightand more locations on the. village hall/green as Q44 possible locations. Q44 % of Respondents n=96 The Parish hasThe adequate Parish has litterbins adequate inlitterbins the right in the locations. right locations. 80 3.1 60 % of Respondents n=96 40 80 65.6 20 3.1 3.1 60 11.5 16.7 0 40 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 65.6 20 Agree Strongly Agree3.1 Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 11.5 16.7 0 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 68.7% of respondents agree with the statement with 14.6% disagreeing.19 respondents commentedAgree with equalStrongly passion Agree forDisagree and againstStrongly increased Disagree bin Nonumbers Opinion and dog poo bins. The more silent majority would indicate that current provision as adequate, 68.7although% of dogrespondents owners are agree to be with reminded the statement that even with a 14.6%rural footpath disagreeing. is no 19excuse respondents to not commented“pick up” when with the equal results passion are nestling for and onagainst the path increased waiting binfor numbersanother walker and dog’s footwear. poo bins. The more silent majority would indicate that current provision as adequate, 31 althoughQ45 dog owners are to be reminded that even a rural footpath is no excuse to not “pickIf the up” council when provided the results suitable are nestling equipment on the pathand collection/disposalwaiting for another walker would’s footwear.you be willing to participate in an annual or bi-annual village clean-up day? Q45 If the council provided suitable equipment and collection/disposal would you be willing to participate in an annual or bi-annual village clean-up day?
33
33 68.7% of respondents agree with the statement with 14.6% disagreeing.19 respondents commented with equal passion for and against increased bin numbers and dog poo bins. The more silent majority would indicate that current provision as adequate, although dog owners are to be reminded that even a rural footpath is no excuse to not “pick up” when the results are nestling on the path waiting for another walker’s footwear.
Q45 If the council provided suitable equipment and collection/disposal would you be willing to participate in an annual or bi-annual village clean-up day?
Annual Clean Up Annual Clean Up Support Support Abbots Ripton n= 65 Wennington n= 34 % Respondents % Respondents
23.1 44.1 55.9 76.9
Yes No Yes No
Bi-Annual Clean Up Bi-Annual Clean Up Support Support Abbots Ripton n= 63 Wennington n= 40 % Respondents % Respondents
27 45
55 73
Yes No Yes No
A strong majority of villagersA strong in Abbots majority Riptonof villagers and in Abbotsa majority Ripton in and Wennington a majority in would Wennington be willing would tobe willing to support a cleanup day. support a cleanup day. Questions 46,47 and 48 These three questions were framed for open comment with no statistical response. As Questions 46,47 and 48with all the comments sections, you can use the Website link provided to look at all the results and all the verbatim comments directly in Survey Monkey – the site used to These three questions werecollate framed your responses. for open The comment summaries with below no statisticalbring out the response main points. Asraised with in allyour the comments sections, youresponses can use where the there website are several link providedsimilarly themed to look comments. at all the It hasresults not been and possible all the verbatim comments directlyto keep this in Surveydocument Monkey to a readable – the length site andused include to collate every singleyour responses.comment or the The very small minority view. In the same way hanging statements, standalone provocative summaries below bring outremarks the mainand anything points that raised may inbe yourdeemed responses offensive haswhere been there disregarded are several for the similarly themed comments.summary. It has not been possible to keep this document to a readable length and include every single comment or the very small minority view. In the same way hanging statements, standalone provocative remarks and anything that may be deemed offensive has been disregarded for the summary.Q46 What additional facilities would you like to see in the Parish that would improve the environment? Answered: 34 Skipped: 70 The following themes attracted multiple comments from respondents; if your comment, or the theme of it, is not included you hold a singular or small minority idea or opinion. Rest assured, readers will find it on the website and anonymity is preserved.
34 32 Q46 What additional facilities would you like to see in the Parish that would improve the environment? Answered: 34 Skipped: 70 The following themes attracted multiple comments from respondents; if your comment, or the theme of it, is not included you hold a singular or small minority idea or opinion. Rest assured, readers will fnd it on the website and anonymity is preserved. Key Themes: • Traffc Management (Weight Limit, By Pass, Traffc calming improvements, speed measurement screens). • Village hall – expanded facilities for sports teams, meetings etc. • Footpaths – additional permissive paths in woodland and by the fshing lakes. • Children’s Playground. • More planned fower planting in village public areas. • Village name sign. • Litter collection.
Q47 What do you most value in our surrounding environment? Please list. Answered: 75 Skipped: 29 75 respondents took the time to add a comment with a high degree of common themes, so much so that the list below has been ordered by frequency of occurrence of the theme, the number of responses gives you an indication of the weighting of opinion. Key Themes: • Peaceful, quiet environment (22) • Open spaces access to countryside (18) • True village amenities – the package of school, church, pub, village hall, Post Offce and shop (13) • Beauty of the village (6) • Footpaths (6) • Wildlife (6) • Sympathetic housing development (5) • Trees (5) • Village life (3)
33 Q48 What do you see as the greatest threat to our Parish environment? Please list. Answered: 75 Skipped: 29 Again, 75 respondents took the time to add a comment with a high degree of common themes. As per Q47 the themes have been weighted by number of comments. Key Themes: • Increased Traffc (30) – a clear majority of comments were on this theme often joined in the same comment to concerns at the impact of Alconbury Weald and Wyton housing developments. • Undesirable or unsympathetic development and over development (16). • Wyton and Alconbury Weald housing developments in close proximity to the Parish (11). • Lack of affordable housing/ loss of young families to village life as ageing demographic (2).
• Fly tipping and litter in general (2).
34 Recommendations/Actions arising from Survey responses to Section 3 The Environment and Conservation. Summary Survey responses show a great level of support for preserving the rural character of the Parish and maintaining the peaceful and quiet environment. The community value of the village amenities; open spaces, countryside access, school, pub, post offce/shop, village hall and church, is recognised as being a rare combination in a Parish of our size and of tremendous importance in maintaining the atmosphere and character and in attracting people to want to live here. Many of these amenities only remain viable and sustainable in the long term through patronage from the wider community and from within the villages. Parishioners are encouraged to maximise their use of what they value and to encourage others to do the same. The general feeling is that any planned developments should be sympathetic to both the nature and the scale of the Parish and should not adversely affect the overall character and footprint of the village including the “greenbelt “ around and between both villages. This is covered in greater detail in the Housing and Planning section. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the greatest threats to the environment were voiced as increasing traffc levels as refected in the traffc section, and potential unsympathetic or over development of housing and commerce. The survey asked for very specifc opinions on a variety renewable energy developments including solar farms (which we have experience of), wind farm installations and potential mineral extraction developments including fossil fuels. In all cases, there is strong opposition to further commercial development. In short, large scale renewable energy developments are not supported by the majority of respondents to the survey. However, there was a strong majority who supported individual residential energy initiatives that are subject to the normal planning processes and environmental controls. Preservation of the open spaces in the Parish and their protection from development is overwhelmingly supported by the respondents to the survey. Residents appreciate the maintenance of the footpaths across Abbots Ripton Estate land and the management of the environment in general. Greater fexibility in the use of safe permissive paths, i.e. defned access routes and made up roads/paths through the Abbots Ripton Estate that are not designated public footpaths, was a recurrent theme and the rigorous imposition of “no cycling” on the public footpaths is seen as an impediment to family enjoyment of our open spaces. These opinions as such are not actionable as part of this plan but are offered as feedback for consideration by the landowners and their agents. Within the environment and conservation section there were some items that parishioners felt required no change or action to improve. These include: food prevention measures, maintaining the jubilee gardens in Abbots Ripton, provision of benches/seating areas/litter bins and maintenance of verges and hedges and existing footpaths in the Parish. Actionable responses were received regarding; light pollution, provision of better child play facilities, extending/improving the network of footpaths and litter clean up. Recommended actions for consideration based on the survey responses are:
Issue: Night-time light pollution (strong invasive lighting) from within the villages or visible from surrounding areas. Survey responses were balanced, however a signifcant number of respondents feel light pollution is an important issue and many raised actionable comments for consideration. Recommended solutions below are directed to both corporate bodies in planning municipal and commercial lighting and to individual householders when looking at external lighting for their property.
35 Recommended solution(s): • Alconbury Weald lighting to minimise night glow visible from Abbots Ripton. • Flood lighting of Abbots Elm car park to be minimised/directed to lower light level seen from the road. • Residents to keep outside lighting and security lighting to a minimum and keep it directed within the boundaries of the property.
Stakeholders Local/PC HDC County ARFCo Other
Yes Yes Alconbury Weald
Priority Medium
Resources/ Funding Required: Light pollution to be a consideration in all future planning.
Expected Outcome: Formal recommendations to be made by Parish Council to the affected parties.
Recommended Next Step: Parish Council to progress.
Issue: The Parish has no freely accessible younger child play facilities in any of the open spaces. A clear majority of respondents to the survey supported the provision of a play area and the response rate was high. Given the demographic mix of the Parish it is clear that support comes from more than just those with children in the young age group, perhaps recognising that play facilities are not just an amenity for residents but also an attraction for potential young family residents, essential to sustain the villages in the longer term.
Recommended solution(s): The survey responses indicated strongest support/need for play facilities catering for the 2-8 year age range and many comments quoted examples of good facilities in other villages in the region as a template for our Parish e.g. the villages of Graffham and Leighton Bromswold. Potential sites were proposed in the comments with the village hall and glebe feld (opposite the post offce) most popular. The school grounds were also proposed but it is recognised that using school facilities outside of school hours has both security and liability implications.
Stakeholders Local/PC HDC County ARFCo Other
Maybe – Maybe- Diocese of Ely – Owners of location Yes Yes Glebe Field dependent
Priority High
36 Resources/ Funding Required: A majority of those expressing an opinion would prioritise Parish Council spending on a play area if match funding were available from HDC or other bodies. 48% of respondents indicated yes or maybe to making a personal donation towards the costs if matching donations were offered by the council.
Expected Outcome: A formal proposal to be developed by the Parish Council in consultation with parishioners so that applications for funding and planning permission might be sought.
Recommended Next Step: Proposal to be taken forward by PC.
Issue: Adequacy of the existing network of paths and better access to open spaces in the Parish. The Parish enjoys a network of maintained rural public footpaths and open access to the village hall playing feld/cricket feld and Jubilee gardens. Respondents have a majority opinion that more or better access is required citing better use of the open spaces for village events and the extension/improvement of some footpaths to improve connection of dwellings in Abbots Ripton to village amenities.
Recommended solution(s): The table for Q38 of the survey shows the priority opinions of the respondents for pedestrian access and footpath improvements with the top priorities being • Create a footpath from the Abbots Elm (termination of existing path) to Home Farm Close to create a safe pedestrian access from village housing to the shop/post offce and school. • Widening of the path from the Post Offce/Shop to the school • Extension of the footpath from the end of Rooks Lane to Grove Farm and Hall Lane A safe cycle route to Huntingdon is also strongly supported but recognised as being a major undertaking – access to cycle routes planned for Alconbury Weald via Clay Lane, and tracking the route of the 4th rail line installation by Network Rail may be viable options.
Stakeholders Local/PC HDC County ARFCo Other
Yes Yes Yes
Priority High
Resources/ Funding Required: To be determined by Parish Council.
Expected Outcome: Improvements to paths in the identifed priority areas.
Recommended Next Step: Feasibility and potential funding plan to be developed by PC.
37 Issue: Litter clean-up to improve our environment. Respondents indicated overwhelming support for periodic (annual or bi-annual) litter clean up days to engage Parish volunteers to clear our verges and public spaces of litter. Much of the litter appears to be deposited from cars passing through or parking for refreshments and then leaving wrappers and packaging behind. There are occasional examples of “fy tipping” where larger amounts of refuse are deposited at the same time.
Recommended solution(s): • Twice yearly clean up days to be organised/advertised by the Parish Council. • Safety equipment to be loaned by HDC. • Bags to be provided and collected by HDC.
Stakeholders Local/PC HDC County ARFCo Other
Yes Yes
Priority High
Resources/ Funding Required: Support from PC and HDC – no funding required.
Expected Outcome: Clean village – encouragement to reduce littering – “see no litter / deposit no litter”.
Recommended Next Step: PC to agree dates and publicise a Saturday clean-up day. Continue to regularly lobby the fast food retailers at the Tower Fields site to conduct their own litter clean up exercises through the Parish Council.
Thatching in the Parish
38 Section 4 – Housing and Planning. Questions 49-52 Section 4 – Housing and Planning. Questions 49-52 Q49 Q49 The Abbots RiptonThe Abbots Farming Ripton Company Farming Company manages manages its impact its impact and andlocal local liaison liaison in in regards to planning and housingregards to successfully. planning and housing successfully.
% of Respondents n=97 80 70 60 18.6 50 40 30 49.5 20 2.1 10 11.3 18.5 0 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion
Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion
68.1% of respondents68.1% of agreedrespondents that agreed The Abbots that The Ripton Abbots RiptonFarming Farming Co. Co.manages manages its its impact impact and local and local liaison in regards to planning and housing successfully. 13.4% disagreed and liaison in regards18.5 to% planning had no opinion. and housing successfully. 13.4% disagreed and 18.5% had no opinion. 17 comments were received: 17 comments were- received:The comments received requested far greater transparency and openness from Abbots Ripton Farming Company and the De Ramsey Estate in terms of future - The commentsplanning received requirements requested and far more greater local liaison transparency consultation and and openness engagement from with Abbots Ripton FarmingParishioners. Company and the De Ramsey Estate in terms of future planning requirements- andThere more were requestslocal liaison to see consultation both short term and and engagementlonger term plans. with Parishioners. - There were a couple of comments saying that there needed to be far more - There were requestsconsideration to see to parishionersboth short / termfreehold and owners longer as termstakeholders. plans.
- There wereQ50 a couple of comments saying that there needed to be far more consideration to parishionersThe Alconbury / freehold Weald owners and as Wyton stakeholders. developments will create many more demands on the surrounding villages with regard to housing. The parish is lacking in the following types of development. Q50 The Alconbury Weald and Wyton developments will create many more demands on the surrounding villages with regard to housing. The parish is lacking in the following types of development.
% Respondents n= 100
47.4 Affordable Housing 37.9 14.7 41.1 Single Dwelling Properties 33.7 25.2 58.3 Small Family Homes 29.2 12.5 21.7 Large Family Homes 60.9 17.4 41 36.3 Small Business Development 36.3 27.4 33 Live/Work Homes* 34 33
*Living and working 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 integrated into one Agree Disagree No Opinion
In terms of type of the housing respondents felt was lacking in the Parish – small family homes received the highest percentage (at 58.3%). Affordable housing and single dwelling properties are also supported by a small majority of respondents. A larger 39 majority (60.9%) do not want to see further development of large family homes in the Parish.
In terms of small business development there is an even split of those supporting and not supporting development at just over a third of respondents for each.
Support for live/work homes is also evenly split. This section received the highest proportion of those expressing no opinion.
There were quite a number of comments received and they were rather mixed: Several comments saying that there were already enough larger family homes
There were various comments saying that they would like to see smaller family homes that also allow for down-sizing.
There were a couple of comments questioning the pressure to build and stating “we do not want to become a town”.
A few people said that they felt they would like to see affordable housing however there was also a concern raised that unless very architecturally sensitive affordable housing might look out of place and one comment stated "nothing is affordable here”.
There was a number of comments that said we need to encourage young families into the community in order to keep the Parish and School viable.
There was a general feeling in the comments that the balance of the community needs to be re-addressed possibly through future housing as too many older people and not enough younger people.
The comments on farm buildings being used for business development and for retail purposes were rather mixed with a number of respondents saying that they would like to see sensitive and sustainable development of these buildings. 42 In terms of type of the housing respondents felt was lacking in the Parish – small family homes received the highest percentage (at 58.3%). Affordable housing and single dwelling properties are also supported by a small majority of respondents. A larger majority (60.9%) do not want to see further development of large family homes in the Parish. In terms of small business development there is an even split of those supporting and not supporting development at just over a third of respondents for each. Support for live/work homes is also evenly split. This section received the highest proportion of those expressing no opinion. There were quite a number of comments received and they were rather mixed: Several comments saying that there were already enough larger family homes There were various comments saying that they would like to see smaller family homes that also allow for down-sizing. There were a couple of comments questioning the pressure to build and stating “we do not want to become a town”. A few people said that they felt they would like to see affordable housing however there was also a concern raised that unless very architecturally sensitive affordable housing might look out of place and one comment stated “nothing is affordable here”. There was a number of comments that said we need to encourage young families into the community in order to keep the Parish and School viable. There was a general feeling in the comments that the balance of the community needs to be re- addressed possibly through future housing as too many older people and not enough younger people. The comments on farm buildings being used for business development and for retail purposes were rather mixed with a number of respondents saying that they would like to see sensitive and sustainable development of these buildings.
Q51 Q51 The area southThe of areathe southVillage of theHall Village is suitable Hall is suitable for development. for development.
% of Respondents n=95 50
40 23.2 10.5 30
20 27.4 10 21.1 18.5 0 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion
Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion
37.9% of respondents agreed that the area south of the Village Hall is suitable for 37.9% of respondentsdevelopment agreed and slightlythat the more area disagreed south (41.05%).of the Village 17.89% Hall had is no suitable opinion. for development and slightly more disagreed22 comments (41.05%). were received 17.89%. To summarize:had no opinion.
22 comments were- received.At least 4 respondents To summarize: were not sure where the location is for this piece of land. - At least 4 respondents were not sure where the location is for this piece of land. - A number of respondents did not want to see this land being developed. - A number of respondents did not want to see this land being developed. - There were a few comments staying that there were other better possible sites (either infill or village edge locations) and that this area was not as well connected to shop & school as other possible sites. 40 - 3 respondents felt that it could be a possibility if it was done extremely sensitively. 1 comment said that road and the footpaths would need attention first.
- Other comments received were that the village was big enough, that it would accelerate the integration of Abbots Ripton with Huntingdon (not perceived as a good thing) and that there was already plenty of new homes in the general area. Q52 The Glebe Field by the church is unsuitable for development.
% of Respondents n=98 80 70 60 50 50 40 30 20 11.2 10 19.4 11.2 8.2 0 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion
Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion
43 Q51 The area south of the Village Hall is suitable for development.
% of Respondents n=95 50
40 23.2 10.5 30
20 27.4 10 21.1 18.5 0 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion
Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion
37.9% of respondents agreed that the area south of the Village Hall is suitable for development and slightly more disagreed (41.05%). 17.89% had no opinion. 22 comments were received. To summarize:
- At least 4 respondents were not sure where the location is for this piece of land.
- There were- a Afew number comments of respondents staying did that not therewant to were see this other land betterbeing developed. possible sites (either infll or village- edgeThere locations) were a fewand comments that this staying area was that therenot as were well other connected better possible to shop sites & school as other possible(either sites. infill or village edge locations) and that this area was not as well connected to shop & school as other possible sites. - 3 respondents felt that it could be a possibility if it was done extremely sensitively. 1 comment- said3 that respondents road and felt the that footpathsit could be awould possibility need if it attentionwas done extremelyfrst. sensitively. 1 comment said that road and the footpaths would need attention - Other commentsfirst. received were that the village was big enough, that it would accelerate the integration of Abbots Ripton with Huntingdon (not perceived as a good thing) and that there was already- plentyOther commentsof new homes received in were the generalthat the village area. was big enough, that it would accelerate the integration of Abbots Ripton with Huntingdon (not perceived as a Q52 good thing) and that there was already plenty of new homes in the general area. Q52 The Glebe FieldThe by Glebe the Fieldchurch by the is unsuitablechurch is unsuitable for development. for development.
% of Respondents n=98 80 70 60 50 50 40 30 20 11.2 10 19.4 11.2 8.2 0 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion
Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion
69.4% of respondents agreed that the Glebe Field is unsuitable for development and 22.4%43 felt it was. 8.2% had no opinion. There were 15 comments: - There are a considerable number of respondents who said that it was unsuitable and should be kept as an open green space and was an important part of the village scene. - A couple of comments stating that there were better locations for potential development. - There were a couple of comments indicating that Glebe Field or Jubilee Garden would be a suitable location for a play area.
41 Recommendations/Actions arising from Survey responses to Section 4 Housing and Planning. Summary It was felt that Abbots Ripton Farming Company (ARFCo) and the De Ramsey Estate generally manages its’ local liaison successfully though some respondents asked for greater transparency and requested that more future development planning is shared with parishioners. In terms of the type of housing provision that parishioners felt they wanted to see in the village, small family homes seemed to be the most popular with a general feeling that there were already enough larger family homes. There was a general feeling that we have an older demographic in the village and families would help ensure the survival of the village school. There were no particular strong feelings one way or the other in terms of the need for small business development and more live/work homes although there might have been a lack of understanding by some as to what live/work homes are. With regards to pockets of land suitable for development the respondents did not want to see land to the south of the Village Hall or the Glebe Field given over for development. Recommended actions for consideration based on the survey responses are:
Issue: As and when future building is considered note should be made of the wishes of parishioners to have smaller family homes.
Recommended Actions: • PC, HDC & CC to take note of Parish Plan Actions whilst considering future planning in the parish. • ARFCo to consider the request for greater transparency and more communication with parishioners.
Stakeholders Local/ HDC County ARFCo Other PC
Yes Yes Yes
Priority Medium
Resources / Funding Required: No particular funding required. Expected Outcome: Over the longer term more smaller family homes.
Recommended Next Step: As and when developments are submitted for planning, consideration should be taken to the wishes of parishioners for smaller family homes.
42 Issue: Ensuring that the land to the South of the village hall and that glebe feld are safe guarded and protected from future housing development.
Recommended Actions: • PC, HDC & ARFCo to take note of Parish Plan Actions whilst considering future planning in the parish
Stakeholders Local/PC HDC County ARFCo Other
Yes Yes Yes Church
Priority Medium
Resources/ Funding Required: No particular funding required. Expected Outcome: These areas are kept free from development. Recommended Next Step: As and when developments are submitted for planning, consideration should be taken to the wishes of parishioners to preserve these two areas from development.
43 The view across Glebe Field
View from the Village Hall
44 Section 5 – Alconbury Weald Development. Questions 52-57 Section 5 – Alconbury Weald Development. Q53 Questions 52-57 Q53 The AlconburyThe Weald Alconbury development Weald development will have will a positivehave a positive effect effect on theon the lives lives of of Abbots Ripton residents. AbbotsSection Ripton 5 – residentsAlconbury. Weald Development. Questions 52-57 Q53 % of Respondents n=97 The Alconbury Weald development will have a positive effect on the lives of Abbots50 Ripton residents. 40 8.2 30 % of29.9 Respondents n=97 50 20 33 40 10 8.2 16.5 12.4 30 29.9 0 20 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 33 Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 10 16.5 12.4 0 41.3% of respondents41.3% of agreedAgreementrespondents that agreed TheDisagreement Alconbury that The Alconbury WealdNo Opinion Wealddevelopment development would would have have a a positive effect positive effect with 46.4% disagreeing and 12.4% unsure. Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion with 46.4% disagreeingQ54 and 12.4% unsure. A by-pass should be built to divert Weald and Wyton traffic from the village. 41.3% of respondents agreed that The Alconbury Weald development would have a positive effect with 46.4% disagreeing and 12.4% unsure. Q54 % of Respondents n=101 Q54 A by-pass shouldA90by -bepass built should to divertbe built Weald to divert and Weald Wyton and Wyton traffc traffic from from the the village. village. 80 70 60 % of Respondents n=101 50 46.6 4090 3080 2070 30.7 1060 6.9 46.6 8.9 500 6.9 40 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 30 20 Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 30.7 10 6.9 8.9 0 6.9 77.3% of Agreementrespondents agreedDisagreement that a by-pass shouldNo Opinion be built to divert Weald and Wyton traffic from the village with 15.8% disagreeing and 6.9% having no opinion. Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion Q55 Clay Lane should be accessed only by buses and emergency vehicles. 77.3% of respondents agreed that a by-pass should be built to divert Weald and Wyton 77.3% of respondentstraffic from agreed the village that with a by-pass15.8% disagreeing should be and built 6.9% to having divert no W opinion.eald and Wyton traffc from the village with Q5515.8% disagreeing and 6.9% having no opinion. Clay Lane should be accessed only by buses and emergency vehicles.
46
46
45 Q55 Clay Lane should be accessed only by buses and emergency vehicles.
% of Respondents n=96 100 80 % of Respondents n=96 60 100 53.1 40 80 20 % of2.1 Respondents n=96 60 24 10.4 10.4 1000 53.1 40 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 80 20 2.1 Agree24 Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 60 10.4 10.4 0 53.1 40 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 77.120 % of respondents agreed that2.1 Clay Lane should be accessed only by bus and 77.1% of respondents agreedAgree24 thatStrongly Clay Agree LaneDisagree shouldStrongly be accessed Disagree No only Opinion by bus and emergency emergency0 vehicles. 12.5% disagreed10.4 and 10.4%10.4 had no opinion. vehicles. 12.5% disagreedAgreement and 10.4%Disagreement had no opinion.No Opinion Q5677.1% of respondents agreed that Clay Lane should be accessed only by bus and Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion Aemergencycycle way vehicles.should be12.5% built disagreed from the andvillage 10.4 to% the had centre no opinion. of the site. Q56 77.1Q56% of respondents agreed that Clay Lane should be accessed only by bus and A cycle way shouldemergencyA cycle be way builtvehicles.should from be12.5% %builtthe of disagreed villagefromRespondents the toandvillage the 10.4n=96 centreto% the had centre no of opinion. the of thesite. site. 90 Q5680 70 % of Respondents n=96 A cycle way33.3should be built from the village to the centre of the site. 9060 8050 40 70 % of Respondents n=96 6030 33.3 90 45.8 5020 80 4010 4.2 70 7.3 9.4 300 60 33.3 20 Agreement45.8 Disagreement No Opinion 50 10 Agree Strongly Agree4.2 Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 40 9.4 0 7.3 30 Agreement45.8 Disagreement No Opinion 79.120 % of respondents agreed that a cycle way should be built from the village to the 10 Agree Strongly Agree4.2 Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion centre of the site. 11.5% disagreed and 9.4% had9.4 no opinion. 0 7.3 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion Q5779.1% of respondents agreed that a cycle way should be built from the village to the 79.1% of respondentsIcentre will use of agreedthe theAgree site. following 11.5%thatStrongly a facilitiesdisagreed Agreecycle way Disagreeon and the should 9.4Alconbury%Strongly had be no Disagreebuilt opinion.Weald from developmentNo theOpinion village. to the centre of the site. 11.5% disagreed and 9.4% had no opinion. 79.1Q57% of respondents agreed that a cycle way should be built from the village to the Potential Use of Alconbury Weald Facilities centreI will use of the the site. following 11.5% facilitiesdisagreed on and the 9.4Alconbury% had no opinion.Weald development. % respondents n= 78 Q57 Q57 Station Potential Use of Alconbury91 Weald Facilities I will use the followingI will use the facilities following on facilities the Alconbury on the Alconbury Weald Weald development. development. School 5.1 % respondents n= 78 Shopping 64.1 Station Potential Use of Alconbury91 Weald Facilities Fitness Suite 33.3 School 5.1 % respondents n= 78 Restaurants 59 Shopping 64.1 Station 91 Fitness Suite 0 10 33.320 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 School 5.1 Restaurants 59 Will Use Facilities Shopping 64.1 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Fitness Suite 33.3 Will Use Facilities Restaurants 59 47
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Will Use Facilities 47
The vast majority of respondents (91%) said that they would use the station. 64.1% of47 respondents said that they would use shopping facilities, with 59% using restaurants and 33.3% would use the ftness suite. 5.1% would use the school. 46 Q58 Please add any comments or suggestions you may have on Alconbury Weald. Answered: 26 Skipped: 78 The proposed building of Alconbury Weald has divided the opinion of resident; 47% of whom consider it will have a negative effect upon the community, with 41% taking the opposite view. Of those who expressed an ‘against’ view a high percentage adopted the ‘strongly disagree’ position compared to the ‘strongly agree’ category in the ‘for’ camp. This tends to weight the opposition group more heavily than the 47% indicates, so one can conclude that a fair majority of residents are opposed to the development. The presence of new facilities on the Weald is welcomed by a large majority of respondents who intend to use the retail and recreational facilities. Few respondents intend to use the new school due to the obvious threat it poses to the village school in future. The railway station is the most anticipated service arising from the Weald development, with 91% of the respondents proposing to use it in future. The station will be located as shown on the map below with access gained via the new entry point to the Weald development to the south of the Tesco roundabout on the A141. This will mean that traffc from March, Chatteris, Upwood and Ramsey would not therefore drive into Abbots Ripton to get to the station but would instead join the A141 at some point and enter the station from the new entrance to the Weald. It is the lack of infrastructure, both local and in the District, which concern residents the most. 77% of residents would like to see the village by-passed, although several robust responses suggest, probably correctly, that this is not likely to happen. However, the County and District Councils are considering ways in which the new A14 bypass can be used to receive traffc from the Wyton and Alconbury developments via new road systems which increase the capacity of the A141 and use a new river crossing to take traffc away from St Ives and the Riptons. There is a strong call for improved cycle ways into the Weald from the village, but no recommendations were received on where the rail crossing would be located. Clay Lane was comprehensively confrmed as a non-public road for use only by buses and emergency vehicles, although this may offer a solution to the cycle way routing in future.
47 Recommendations/Actions arising from Survey responses to Section 5 Alconbury Weald Development. Summary The Alconbury Weald development seems to have rather divided our parishioners but the general feeling was that it would not have a positive effect on the Parish. There is a deep concern about lack of infrastructure and the effect this development would have on the local roads. A substantial majority would like to see a by-pass built to divert Weald & Wyton traffc from the village but realistically the possibility of a by-pass being built is extremely slim. The main entrance to the Weald site will be created just west of the railway bridge on the A141 and this will become the main access point for the railway station, the proposed community hub and housing to be built on the Grange Farm area of the site. The new combined authority are recommending that one of the early stage infrastructure projects supported by the devolved funding is that the A141 is upgraded at least from the Hartford roundabout to the Spittals Interchange and possibly beyond Wyton towards Warboys and further north. The delivery of a dual carriageway on the site of the existing ring road linking Wyton and Alconbury Weald to the upgraded main trunk road network is intended to reduce the incidence of cross country rat-running which Abbots Ripton residents fear. A substantial majority wanted to see Clay Lane accessed only for buses, cyclists and emergency vehicles and the Parish Council has informed us that recently this has been frmly agreed. Interestingly given most parishioners were rather negative about the development a signifcant number of parishioners said that they would envisage using the station and use the shopping facilities and restaurants. Many parishioners would like to see a cycle way built from the village to the centre of Alconbury Weald. The Parish Council has for some time been attending the Urban & Civic development meetings so a close liaison with Urban & Civic is already established and this will continue going forward. The Parish Council have agreed that certain projects will be paid for out of developer contributions which will be released as stages of the development are completed. Recommended actions for consideration based on the survey responses are:
Issue: Negativity around the Alconbury Weald Development and concerns about the demands on the local infrastructure and how it will impact our local roads.
Recommended Actions: • PC, HDC, CC and Urban & Civic to take note of parishioners’ concerns. • Urban & Civic to do more information sharing in an attempt to allay fears
Stakeholders Local/ HDC County ARFCo Other PC
Yes Yes Urban & Civic / Highways Yes
Priority High
Resources / Funding Required: Possible hire of village hall for open information events for parishioners. Expected Outcome: Parishioners to gain a greater understanding of what the Alconbury Weald development will mean in real terms especially in relation to roads and traffc movements. Better communication.
48 Recommended Next Step: Continued on-going liaison between PC, HDC, CC, Highways and Urban & Civic.
Issue: Exploring the possibility of building a by-pass and effectively communicating (managing the expectations) of parishioners.
Recommended Actions: • PC, HDC, CC, Highways and Urban & Civic to take note of parishioners wanting a by-pass. Effective communication with parishioners so that they can gain a better understanding what might be possible in terms of traffc alleviation. Continuing lobbying with regards to CIL payments.
Stakeholders Local/PC HDC County ARFCo Other
Urban & Civic & Highways Yes Yes Yes
Priority High
Resources/ Funding Required: Possible hire of village hall for open information events for parishioners. Expected Outcome: Better understanding of resources and issues involved. Recommended Next Step: On-going liaison between PC, HDC, CC, Highways and Urban & Civic.
49 St. Andrews Church
The Abbots Elm
50 Section 6 – The Secret Garden Party.
Questions Section59-62 6 – The Secret Garden Party. Q59 SectionQuestions 6 – 59The-62 Secret Garden Party. Q59Questions 59-62 The SGP managesThe SGP its managesimpact andits impact local and liaison local liaisonsuccessfully successfully Q59 The SGP manages its impact and local liaison successfully % of Respondents n=101 90 80 % of Respondents n=101 90 70 33.6 6080 5070 33.6 4060 3050 50.5 2040 30 4 10 50.5 20 6.9 5 0 4 10 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 0 6.9 5 AgreementAgree Strongly AgreeDisagreementDisagree StronglyNo Opinion Disagree No Opinion
Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion
A high proportionA high of respondents proportion of respondents agreed that agreed the thatSGP the manages SGP manages its impact its impact and and local local liaison successfully (84.1%liaison assuccessfully opposed (84.1% to 10.9% as opposed who disagreed). to 10.9% who There disagreed). were There 20 comments were 20 in total (out A high proportion of respondents agreed that the SGP manages its impact and local comments in total (out of 101 respondents). There were several positive comments of 101 respondents).liaison successfully There were (84.1% several as opposed positive to 10.comments9% who disagreed). saying that There SGP were was 20 a good thing saying that SGP was a good thing for the area and 1 respondent said that they felt safer for the area andcomments 1 respondent in total (outsaid of that 101 theyrespondents). felt safer There with were the severallarge security positive comments vehicles patrolling with the large security vehicles patrolling the village. Concerns were raised about the saying that SGP was a good thing for the area and 1 respondent said that they felt safer the village. Concernssize of the were event raised and its aboutimpact the in terms size ofof noise the eventand traffic. and Inits addition, impactthere in terms were of noise and with the large security vehicles patrolling the village. Concerns were raised about the traffc. In addition,come there concerns were about come footpaths, concerns bus routes about etc. footpaths, bus routes etc. size of the event and its impact in terms of noise and traffic. In addition, there were come concerns about footpaths, bus routes etc. There was a commonThere was thread a common that threadparishioners that parishioners wanted wanted more moretransparency transparency as as to to understanding the long-term strategyunderstanding of SGP. the long-term strategy of SGP. There was a common thread that parishioners wanted more transparency as to understanding the long-term strategy of SGP. Q60 The distribution and process of local tickets meets the needs of the local Q60 Q60 community. The distribution and process of local tickets meets the needs of the local The distributioncommunity and process. of local tickets meets the needs of the local community. % of Respondents n=98 80 % of Respondents n=98 70 6080 27.6 5070 60 40 27.6 3050 2040 41.8 6.1 1030 20 41.8 11.2 13.3 0 6.1 10 Agreement Disagreement11.2 No 13.3Opinion 0 AgreementAgree Strongly AgreeDisagreementDisagree StronglyNo Opinion Disagree No Opinion
Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 69.4% of respondents agreed that the distribution and process of local tickets meets the needs of the local community. 17.3% disagreeing and 13.3% not voicing an opinion. 69.4% of respondents agreed that the distribution and process of local tickets meets the 69.4% of respondentsneeds of agreedthe local community.that the distribution 17.3% disagreeing and process and 13.3% of localnot voicing tickets an opinionmeets. the needs of the local community. 17.3% disagreeing and 13.3% not voicing an opinion. 51 There were 21 comments out of 98 respondents. There were a number of comments about51 how it would be good to be able to purchase a few additional tickets at a reduced rate for girlfriends / boyfriends of children of locals and for family friends of locals. There were also a number of comments about non-locals attending and about how many tickets are made available to the School and to a lesser extent the pub. There seems to be a general feeling that those who have to tolerate the noise and disruption i.e. in the immediate environment should be those that beneft.
51 There were 21 comments out of 98 respondents. There were a number of comments about how it would be good to be able to purchase a few additional tickets at a reduced rate for girlfriends / boyfriends of children of locals and for family friends of locals. There were also a number of comments about non-locals attending and about how many tickets are made available to the School and to a lesser extent the pub. There seemsThere were to be 21 a generalcomments feeling out ofthat 98 those respondents. who have There to tolerate were athe number noise ofand comments disruption i.e.about in thehow immediate it would be environ good toment be ableshould to bepurchase those that a few benefit. additional tickets at a reduced Q61 rate for girlfriends / boyfriends of children of locals and for family friends of locals. Q61There were also a number of comments about non-locals attending and about how Howmany ticketsoften aredo madeyou attendavailable the to the SGP? School and to a lesser extent the pub. There How often doseems you to attendbe a general the feeling SGP? that those who have to tolerate the noise and disruption i.e. in the immediate environment should be those that benefit.
Attendance Q61 0 How often% Respondents do you attendn= 99 the SGP?
23.2
Attendance 0 % Respondents n= 99 56.6 20.2
23.2
Every Year Occasionally Never 56.6 20.2 A high proportion (76.8%) of the local community occasionally or regularly attend the A high proportionSGP. (76.8%) 23.4% haveof the never local attended. community occasionally or regularly attend the SGP. 23.4% have never attended.There were quite a few Everyrespondents Year whoOccasionally cited a varietyNever of reasons why SGP was simply not their scene. There were quite a few respondents who cited a variety of reasons why SGP was simply not their scene. Q62A high proportion (76.8%) of the local community occasionally or regularly attend the ASGP. temporary 23.4% have footpath never from attended. Abbots Ripton into the SGP, avoiding the B1090, wouldThere werebe of quite use ato few the respondents whole parish? who cited a variety of reasons why SGP was simply not their scene. Q62 Q62 A temporary footpath from Abbots% Riptonof Respondents into the n=100 SGP, avoiding the B1090, would be of use A 80temporary footpath from Abbots Ripton into the SGP, avoiding the B1090, to the whole parish?would70 be of use to the whole parish? 60 50 48 40 % of Respondents n=100 3080 2070 26 1060 4 16 500 48 6 40 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 30 Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion 20 26 10 4 16 74%0 of respondents agreed that6 a temporary footpath into the SGP would be of use (with 10%Agreement disagreeing and Disagreement16% unsure). No Opinion Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion Total comments again were 17. There were at least 12 comments stating that they would really like a temporary footpath and some respondents commented on the route 74% of respondents agreed that a temporary footpath into the SGP would be of use 74% of respondents(with 10% agreed disagreeing that a and temporary 16% unsure). footpath into the SGP would be of use (with52 10% disagreeing and 16% unsure). Total comments again were 17. There were at least 12 comments stating that they Total commentswould again really were like 17. a tempo Thererary were footpath at andleast some 12 commentsrespondents commentedstating that on they the route would really like a temporary footpath and some respondents commented on the route but agreed that they would like an access point closer to the village. One of the above said that there should be an52 entrance via the Abbots Ripton garage gate for villagers and their friends and another suggested access via the Boutique Camping entrance. Two respondents felt a footpath should be actively discouraged to further isolate the village from the event
52 Recommendations/Actions arising from Survey responses to Section 6 Secret Garden Party. Summary A clear large majority of respondents (84%) are supportive of the way the SGP administration manages the impact of the event and local liaison in general. This also refects in the number of local residents that attend with over 56% participating every year and a further 20% attending occasionally. Whilst recognising this strong support and the measures taken to positively manage local impact, it is also important that the minority views expressing concerns at the disruptions caused by the event are considered. Some of the strongest positive environmental feedback from the survey was the importance of the peace and tranquility of the parish which is inevitably disturbed for the 4 days of the party and the immediate set-up and breakdown. It is a credit to SGP organisers that the management of this disturbance has resulted in the positive majority support of SGP refected in the survey. Framing specifc actions that would be applicable over the longer term will depend to a degree on how SGP develops. The Parish Plan encourages the SGP management to keep up efforts to minimise impact on the day to day village life and access during the buildup and the event, and to keep noise abatement in focus with the siting and attenuation measures around the large “through the night” dance stages. Specifc recommendations arising from comments to the survey are detailed below: Distribution and processing of local resident’s tickets. The subsidised ticket policy for local residents is clearly appreciated with a strong majority of respondents agreeing that this meets the needs of the Parish community. Some recommendations on ticket policy were put forward by respondents for consideration by the organisers. 1. Priority for immediate vicinity residents (the Parish of Abbots Ripton and Wennington). There is a perception that larger numbers of the subsidised tickets make their way to non-locals that are not impacted by the event. 2. Concessions for reduced rate guest tickets to be available for purchase through local resident’s ticket assignment to accommodate non-resident family/ friends/boyfriends/ girlfriends of resident family members. Whilst accepting that the residents are not disturbed by the event, the ability of local residents to feel they can participate with their family and friendship group would encourage the ongoing support of SGP. Strict limitation on non- transferability and numbers to avoid any abuse of the privilege would prevent excessive ticket numbers being requested. Local Residents access routes to the event. Provision of a local temporary footpath to access the event from the Abbots Ripton village end (the access point used for the VIP camping) and avoiding the considerable walk to the main entrance along the busy B1090, was supported by a strong majority of respondents. This would be both a safety and convenience improvement for villagers accessing the event daily as pedestrians. Since the survey was completed, SGP 2016 has taken place and vehicle access/parking for resident ticket holders was much improved with allowance to park in the area immediately adjacent to the main entrance. This greatly facilitated local day visitors using motor vehicles however it does still leave the unsafe pedestrian route unaddressed. Secret Garden Party future development. A common thread in the comments from Parishioners is for greater visibility and transparency of future plans and strategy for SGP. The village would welcome engagement and such involvement as is necessary. A regular SGP update published through the Ripton Area News and/or made through the Parish communications web presence (Parish Council website, Village Facebook Group etc.) would address this need.
53 Abbots Ripton Church of England Primary School
Abbots Ripton Village Stores & Post Offce
54 Section 7 – Crime & Safety (Questions 63 –71) Section 7 – Crime & Safety Q63 & Q64 (questions 63 –71) Q63 & Q64 I perceive crimeI perceive is increasing crime is increasingin the Parish. in the Parish.
Abbots Ripton Wennington % of Respondents n=96 % of Respondents n=94 60 70
50 4.2 60 50 40 40 30 47.9 30 57.5 20 4.2 1 20 23.9 2.1 10 19.8 10 25.5 13.8 0 0 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion Agreement Disagreement No Opinion
Agree Strongly Agree Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion No Opinion
A clear majorityA felt clear that majority Abbots felt thatRipton Abbots is aRipton safe isplace a safe to place live to with live with 52% of respondents disagreeing with the statement and 24% agreeing. 52% of respondents disagreeing with the statement and 24% agreeing. Only a couple of comments were made in direct relation to this question stating that Only a couple ofthey comments felt safe and werehad goodmade neighbo in directurs. relation to this question stating that they felt safe and had good neighbours. 26.5% of respondents disagreed with the statement whilst 15.9% of respondents 26.5% of respondentsperceived disagreed that crime in with Wenn theington statement is increasing. whilst 15.9% of respondents perceived that crime in Wennington57.5% hadis increasing. no opinion. 57.5% had no opinion.Q65 & Q66 Police Presence.
Q65 & Q66 Police Presence.
Response time is adequate Patrols are adequate % of Respondents n=97 % of Respondents n=97 70 45 60 40 35 50 12.4 30 40 25 30 60.8 20 2 40.2 15 20 5.2 26.8 10 18.6 4.1 10 19.6 5 9.3 0 0 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion Agreement Disagreement No Opinion 55
Agree Strongly Agree Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion No Opinion
The vast majority of respondents had no opinion as to the response time of Police to incidents, indicating the majority had no experience or need to call them. 24.7% agreed with the statement and only 13.4% thought the response time to be slow. Of the four comments relating directly to response times 3 thought it was slow and 1 55 adequate, the introduction of a Rural Crime Unit may help. However, being a rural community, emergency response time from the Police, Fire and Ambulance will always be slower than in a city.
39.2% of respondents thought that there should be more patrols with 20.6% agreeing they are adequate. 40.2% did not voice an opinion. Three comments were recorded relating directly to a lack of visible patrols.
Q67 Would articles on crime prevention be of benefit to you?
Number of respondents (Overall n=96)
On the Shop Noticeboard 53.8 27.5 18.8
In the Ripton Area News (RAN) 72.8 14.1 13.1
On the Parish Website 46.6 30.1 23.3
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Yes No Not Sure
Of those that responded to the statement, the preferred media would be the RAN 72.8%, shop notice board 53.7% and 46.5% preferring the Parish Council website.
Q68 A talk from the local Police on security and personal safety would be of interest.
56 Response time is adequate Patrols are adequate % of Respondents n=97 % of Respondents n=97 70 45 60 40 35 50 12.4 30 40 25 30 60.8 20 2 40.2 15 20 5.2 26.8 10 18.6 4.1 10 19.6 5 9.3 0 0 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion Agreement Disagreement No Opinion
Agree Strongly Agree Agree Strongly Agree The vast majority of DisagreerespondentsStrongly had noDisagree opinion as toDisagree the responseStrongly time Disagree of Police to incidents, indicating the majorityNo Opinionhad no experience or need to callNo Opinion them. 24.7% agreed with the statement and only 13.4% thought the response time to be slow. Of the four commentsThe vast relatingmajority of directly respondents to response had no opinion times as 3to thought the response it was time slow of Police and 1to adequate, incidents, indicating the majority had no experience or need to call them. 24.7% agreed the introductionwith of athe Rural statement Crime and Unit only may13.4% help. thought However, the response being time a torural be slow. community, emergency response time fromOf the the four Police, comments Fire relating and Ambulancedirectly to response will always times 3 bethought slower it was than slow in and a city.1 adequate, the introduction of a Rural Crime Unit may help. However, being a rural 39.2% of respondentscommunity, thought emergency that responsethere should time from be themore Police, patrols Fire andwith Ambulance 20.6% agreeing will always they are adequate. 40.2%be slowerdid not than voice in a ancity. opinion.
Three comments39.2% were of respondentsrecorded relating thought thdirectlyat there toshould a lack be moreof visible patrols patrols. with 20.6% agreeing they are adequate. 40.2% did not voice an opinion. Three comments were recorded relating directly to a lack of visible patrols. Q67 Q67 Would articlesWould on crime articles prevention on crime prevention be of beneft be of benefit to you? to you?
Number of respondents (Overall n=96)
On the Shop Noticeboard 53.8 27.5 18.8
In the Ripton Area News (RAN) 72.8 14.1 13.1
On the Parish Website 46.6 30.1 23.3
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Yes No Not Sure
Of those that respondedOf those that to resp theonded statement, to the statement, the preferred the preferred mediamedia would would be bethe the RAN RAN 72.8%, shop 72.8%, shop notice board 53.7% and 46.5% preferring the Parish Council website. notice board 53.7% and 46.5% preferring the Parish Council website. Q68 A talk from the local Police on security and personal safety would be of interest. Q68 A talk from the local Police on security and personal safety would be of interest. 56
% of Respondents n=97 60 50 5.2 40 30 20 46.4 7.2 27.8 10 13.4 0 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion
Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion
51.6% of respondents felt that such a talk would be of interest, 20.6% disagreed and 51.6% of respondents27.84% voiced felt thatno opinion.such a talk would be of interest, 20.6% disagreed and 27.84% voiced no opinion.
Q69 I regularly view the ‘e-cops’ web site.
% of Respondents n=97 56 60
50
40
30 14.4 53.5 20
10 2 20.6 9.3 0 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion
Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion
11.3% of respondents regularly view the ‘e-cops’ website. 35% did not view regularly or at all and 53.5% did not know of its existence. Q70 Details of qualified First Aiders within the parish would be of benefit.
57 % of Respondents n=97 60 50 5.2 40 30 20 46.4 7.2 27.8 10 13.4 0 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion
Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion
51.6% of respondents felt that such a talk would be of interest, 20.6% disagreed and 27.84% voiced no opinion.
Q69 Q69 I regularly viewI regularly the ‘e-cops’ view the web ‘e- cops’site. web site.
% of Respondents n=97 60
50
40
30 14.4 53.5 20
10 2 20.6 9.3 0 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion
Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion
11.3% of respondents11.3% of regularlyrespondents view regularly the ‘e-cops’ view the ‘ewebsite.-cops’ website. 35% 35%did notdid notview view regularly regularly oror at all and at all and 53.5% did not know of its existence. 53.5% did not knowQ70 of its existence. Q70 Details of qualified First Aiders within the parish would be of benefit. Details of qualifed First Aiders within the parish would be of beneft.
% of Respondents n=96 80 70 11.5 60 50 40 30 63.5 57 20 10 4.1 14.6 0 6.3 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion
Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion
75% of respondents75% of would respondents like to would have like details to have of details First of Aiders First Aiders available. available. Only Only 10.3% 10.3% ofof respondents respondents did not want to know. did not want to know. By far the highestBy farnumber the highest of comments number of comments were received were received on this on topic. this topic. The The majoritymajority asking asking for a for a defibrillator to be available at the village hall or shop, and courses arranged to train defbrillator to bepeople available to use them.at the These villageresults hall along or shop, with the and comments courses have arranged contributed to train to the people to use them. These resultsrecommenda alongtions with made the comments in the Parish havePlan. contributed to the recommendations made in the Parish Plan. Q71 Please add any comments or suggestion you might have. Answered: 21 Skipped: 83 Q71 There were 21 comments. Several respondents commented on long delays from Police after having been called and a few commented on a negligible Police presence. A Please add anynumber comments of respondents or suggestion also said that you they might felt pretty have. safe . In terms of a defibrillator, Answered: 21 mostSkipped: approved 83 having one located in the village hall. There were 21 comments. Several respondents commented on long delays from Police after having been called and a few commented on a negligible Police presence. A number of Recommendations /Actions arising from Survey responses to Section 7 respondents alsoCrime said & thatSafety they. felt pretty safe. In terms of a defbrillator, most approved having one located in the village hall. Summary
The overall feedback from the survey is that crime is at a fairly low level. Respondents perceived that on the whole response times from the authorities when needed was adequate within our rural environment. It is hoped that the introduction of the Rural Crime Unit will increase the number of patrols and a higher number of those engaged in criminal activities being apprehended. 57 The desire within the Parish to have information to help safeguard individuals and properties however is a clear indication that there are still concerns. As a community, it is in all our interests to be aware of our surroundings, look out for our neighbours, be alert and vigilant and to report any suspicious activities. Articles on home and business personal security are available from a variety of sources including the Police and the Ecops website. Please see recommended websites below:
Cambridgeshire Police / Ecops: https://www.cambs.police.uk/ecomps/
58 Recommendations /Actions arising from Survey responses to Section 7 Crime & Safety. Summary The overall feedback from the survey is that crime is at a fairly low level. Respondents perceived that on the whole response times from the authorities when needed was adequate within our rural environment. It is hoped that the introduction of the Rural Crime Unit will increase the number of patrols and a higher number of those engaged in criminal activities being apprehended. The desire within the Parish to have information to help safeguard individuals and properties however is a clear indication that there are still concerns. As a community, it is in all our interests to be aware of our surroundings, look out for our neighbours, be alert and vigilant and to report any suspicious activities. Articles on home and business personal security are available from a variety of sources including the Police and the Ecops website. Please see recommended websites below:
Cambridgeshire Police / Ecops: https://www.cambs.police.uk/ecomps/
Huntingdonshire District Council: http://www.huntingdoneshire.gov.uk/people-communities/crime-and-community-safety/
The Cambridgeshire Rural Crime Unit: https://www.cambs.police.il/GetCloser/RCAT/
By far the highest number of comments in this section related to do with First Aiders and the introduction of a defbrillator to be located at either the village hall or at the village shop (possibly even both). Parish Council to be tasked with fnding out what is required in terms of cost etc., and to look into the possibility of providing a frst aid training course. The new defbrillators now come with both voice and LED instructions so a separate training session on usage might not be required.
58 Section 8 – Local Facilities, Organisations Groups and Leisure. Questions 72-75
Q72 Thinking about the existing facilities in the village, how do you view the following:
Satisfaction Rating by Number of Respondents (Overall n=99)
Village School 11 21 2 59
The Abbots Elm 40 41 10 5
Shop 73 24 10
Post Office 81 16 10
Village Hall 31 50 3 12
St Andrews Church 20 50 1 24
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Very Satsified Satisfied Not Satisfied Not Used/No Knowledge
Usage - Number of Respondents (Overall n=99)
Village School 5 1 7 20 The Abbots Elm 19 35 34 6 Shop 73 18 6 0 Post Office 67 24 6 0 Village Hall 7 42 37 7 St Andrews Church 4 17 43 28
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Frequent > Once per week Sometimes > Once per Month Seldom Never
Satisfaction ratingsSatisfaction across ratings all the across facilities all the listedfacilities are listed very are high, very high,a credit a credit to theto the owners, owners, managers and volunteers managersconcerned. and Negativevolunteers concerned.respondent Negative ratings respondent (in red) areratings few (in in red) number. are few inThe larger number. The larger orange bars are indicative of the demographic mix of the community orange bars arewith indicative less church of goersthe demographic and not all respondents mix of the having community infant/prim arywith school less agechurch goers and not all respondentschildren having or infant/primary other contact with school the school. age children or other contact with the school.
In terms of usage,In terms again of usagethe Post, again Offce the Post and Office village and storevillage receivedstore received the thehighest highest percentage of respondents whopercentage frequently of respondents or sometimes who frequ usedently them or sometimes (94%). This used was them followed (94%). This by was the Abbots Elm (57%) and the villagefollowed hall by t he(52%). Abbots LessElm (57%) than anda quarter the village of thosehall (52%). askedLess said than that a quarter they of sometimes or frequently attendedthose St.asked Andrews’s said that they Church. sometimes or frequently attended St. Andrews’s Church. There were 30 Therecomments were 30 in comments total: in total: - The Post Office and village shop have a high number of very positive comments - The Post Offceespecially and village on how shop friendly have and a helpful high thenumber team are. of veryThere positive were a couple comments of especially on how friendlycomments and helpful saying the that team the Post are. Office There should were be aretained couple and of thecomments need to ‘use saying it that the Post Offce shouldor lose be it’. retained and the need to ‘use it or lose it’. - Several respondents- Several respondents said they verysaid theymuch very enjoyed much enjo theyed pub, the pub, however, a few felt it was rather expensive, not family friendly and some said however, a fewthey felt would it was like rather to see theexpensive, menu changed not family more frequently. friendly and some said they would like to see the menu changed more frequently. - There was a recurring theme with the Village School that it should be more integrated with the village and village life and needs to be more visible in engaging with the community.60 - The village hall had positive comments. Some respondents felt that there were not enough village events and activities taking place in the hall. 59 - There was a recurring theme with the Village School that it should be more integrated with the village and village life and needs to be more visible in engaging with the community. - The village hall had positive comments. Some respondents felt that there were Q73 not enough village events and activities taking place in the hall. Q73 How many children- There do you was ahave recurring enrolled theme within the the Villagevillage School primary that it school? should be more How manyintegrated children with do the yo villageu have and enrolled village lifein the and village needs primaryto be more school? visible in engaging with the community. - The village hall %had Respondent positive comments. Number of ChildrenSome respondents Enrolled felt that there were not enough village events and activitiesn=36 taking place in the hall. Q73 None 20 How many children do0 you have enrolled in the 1village primary school? 8 2 % Respondent11 61 Number of Children3 or moreEnrolled n=36 Previously had children enrolled None 20 0 1 8 2 11 61 3 or more 61.% have never or do not currently have children enrolled at the school, 20% have 61.% have neverchildren or do that not have currently previously have been children at the school enrolled andPreviously 19 at% thecurrently had school, children have 20%enrolled children have at thechildren that have previouslyschool. beenThere at the were school 5 comments. and 19% A number currently of the have respondents children said at thatthe itschool. was great There to were 5 comments. Ahave number a village of school the respondents in the parish, howsaid important that it was it was greatfor the to Parish have to a supportvillage the school in the parish, how importantschool and it equallywas for for the the Parishschool to to engage support with the the school Parish. and equally for the school to Q74 engage with the61. Parish.% have never or do not currently have children enrolled at the school, 20% have childrenVillage Activities.that have previously been at the school and 19% currently have children at the sTherechool. areThere various were formally 5 comments. organized A numberclubs or of groupsthe respondents active in the said Parish that ,it the was great to havequestionnaire a village askedschool for in theyour parish, views howand commentsimportant it on was hoforw important the Parish they to support are to you the Q74 schooland any and changes equally you for wouldthe school like to to see engage or additions with the you Parish. would be willing to participate Q74in. Village Activities.Village Activities. There are variousThere formally are various organized formallyVillage Activities/Clubs organized clubs orclubs groups -Number or groups active of Respondents active in the in theParish, Parish the, the questionnaire asked questionnaire asked for your views(Overall and comments n=90) on how important they are to you for your views andandany comments changes you on wouldhow likeimportant to see or they additions are toyou you would and be anywilling changes to participate you would like to see or additionsin. you Gardeningwould be Club willing11 to participate37 in. 38 Womens Instutute 9 15 63 0-5's ToddlersVillage6 Activities/Clubs5 -Number of Respondents69 Craft Club 4 24(Overall n=90) 54 Fishing Club 3 15 65 Gardening Club 11 37 38 Friendly Club 3 11 63 Womens Instutute 9 15 63 Cricket Club 3 10 69 0-5's Toddlers 6 5 69 Healthy Walking Group 1 34 49 Craft Club 4 24 54 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Fishing Club 3 15 65 CurrentlyFriendly Club a Member3 11 Would Consider Membership63 Not Interested Cricket Club 3 10 69 ThereHealthy are Walkinga total Group of 211 comments.34 A number of people commented49 positively on the Gardening Club, the WI0% and10% the20% Cricket30% Club.40% There50% were60% a70% few 80%respondents90% 100% that were not aware of some of the clubs (especially The Friendly Club). The positive numbers of respondentsCurrently that woulda Member considerWould membership Consider Membershipof the various groupsNot Interested is encouraging for expanding community activity in a wide variety of interest areas. Information on joining There are a total of 21 comments. A number of people commented positively on the 61 There are a totalGardening of 21 comments. Club, the WI andA number the Cricket of peopleClub. There commented were a few positivelyrespondents on that the were Gardening Club, the WI andnot awarethe Cricket of some Club. of the clubsThere (especially were a fewThe Friendlyrespondents Club). The that positive were numbersnot aware of of some of the clubs (especiallyrespondents The that Friendly would consider Club). membership The positiveof the numbers various groups of respondents is encouraging that for would consider membershipexpanding of community the various activity groups in a wide is encouraging variety of interest for areas. expanding Information community on joining activity in a 61 wide variety of interest areas. Information on joining the various clubs can be found on the Parish Council website, via the information section of the Ripton Area News and through the Abbots Ripton Village Facebook page.
60 the various clubs can be found on the Parish Council website, via the information section of the Ripton Area News and through the Abbots Ripton Village Facebook page. Q75 Q75 During our consultationsDuring our consultations suggestions suggestions were made were madefor the for followingthe following Groups Groups & Activities, would you attendActivities, or participate would you atte in ndthe or organisation participate in the of organisany ofation these? of any of these?
Interest Level in New groups/Activities - Number of Respondents (Overall n=90)
Neighbourhood Watch 2 45 35 Open Farm 12 34 37 Community Days 8 35 38 Cinema Nights 8 32 43 Errand Running 7 24 51 Pet Sitting 5 22 55 Cycling Group 3 21 59 Running Club 2 20 64 Youth Club 6 9 64 Car Sharing 3 11 64
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Participate in Organising Join The Group Not Interested
There were 17There comments. were 17 comments. Several respondents Several respondents were notwere sure not sure what what ‘community ‘community days’ were. The clubs and activitieswere. thatThe clubsreceived and activities most interest that received were most Neighbourhood interest were Neighbourhood Watch, Open Watch, Farm, and Community Days.Open There Farm, andwas Community also considerable Days. There interest was also in considerable a cinema interestclub, errand in a cinema running, and pet club, errand running, and pet sitting. sitting. Respondents that showed an interest in participating in the organisation of any of the Respondents thatactivities showed are encouraged an interest to usein participating the village websites, in the Facebook organisation page andof any/or the of Ripton the activities are encouraged toArea use Newsthe village(RAN) towebsites, call an initial Facebook meeting of page interested and/or parties. the Ripton Area News (RAN) to call an initial meeting of interested parties.
Recommendations/Actions arising from Survey responses to Section 8 Local Facilities, Organisations, Groups & Leisure.
62
The Village Hall
61 Recommendations/Actions arising from Survey responses to Section 8 Local Facilities, Organisations, Groups & Leisure. Summary The Parish Plan team would encourage the groups and organisations operating in the parish to look at the results of the Parish Plan to see whether there are areas that they can improve upon or areas where perhaps they need to communicate better with parishioners. The clubs and activities that received most interest were neighbourhood watch, open farm days and community days. In addition, there was considerable interest in setting up a cinema club, errand running and pet sitting. Recommended actions for consideration based on the survey responses are:
Issue: Look at setting up new groups and activities in the village.
Recommended Actions: • Neighbourhood Watch. Look at resurrecting if now defunct – PC. • Open Farm – ARFCo. • Community Days – PC & possibly Village Hall. • Setting up new groups and clubs - see recommended next step.
Stakeholders PC HDC County ARFCo Other
Relevant groups in the Yes Yes parish and new volunteers
Priority Medium
Resources / Funding Required: None though advertising / communications via the RAN. Expected Outcome: Parishioners to feel that their wishes have been taken into account and feel an increasing involvement with the community.
62 Section 9 – Communication. Questions 76-86
Section 9 – Communication. Q76 &77 Questions 76-86 Do you use theQ76 internet?&77 Do you use the internet? The Parish experiencesThe Parish experiences good broadband good broadband service? service?
Internet Usage Broadband Experience % Respondents n= 100 % Respondents n= 96 3 9 8 11
22
40 15 88 Very Good Good Not Good Frequently Occasionally Never Poor No Opinion
88% of respondents88% of respondentsuse the internet use the frequently internet freque withntly 9% with never9% never using using the the internet. internet.888 53% of respondents agreed that the Parish experiences good broadband with 38% 53% of respondentsdisagreeing agreed and 8that% expressing the Parish no opinion.experiences good broadband with 38% disagreeing and 8% expressing no opinion. There were 20 comments in total. A number of comments focused on the fact that There were 20broadband comments speeds in total. seem A patchy number and ofhaphazard comments and alsofocused that they on vary the greatlyfact that across broadband the Parish (and especially between Abbots Ripton and Wennington).The Parish Experiences There was a Good also Mobile Provider speeds seem patchy and haphazard and also that they vary greatly acrossMobile Signal the Parish (and Respondents n= 83 some confusion by respondents as to whether they already haveRespondents the fibre opticn= 99 upgrade especially betweenor not. Abbots 3 respondents Ripton commen and Wennington).ted that current Therespeeds waswere alsounacceptable some confusion (described by 1 7 7 5 respondents asas to very whether poor, pitiful they and already appalling) have. the fbre optic upgrade 20or not. 3 respondents 36 commented that current speeds were unacceptable (described as very poor, pitiful and appalling).13 Q78 & Q79 & Q80 34 • The parish experiences good mobile signal?
• Which mobile provider are you with? 37 22 Q78 & Q79 & Q80• To improve network coverage would you accept the erection of a telephone • The parish experiencesmast within the good parish? mobile signal? Strongly Agree Agree Vodafone EE • • Which mobile provider are you with? Disagree Strongly Disagree O2 Tesco No Opinion Other (<5%) • To improve network coverage would you accept the erection of a telephone mast within the parish? 41% of respondents experience a good mobile signal with 57% not. 43% of respondents are with Vodafone, followed by EE (26%) and O2 (15%).
The Parish Experiences a Good Mobile Provider Support Erection of a Mobile Mobile Signal Respondents n= 83 Telephone Mast Respondents n= 99 Respondents n= 100 1 7 7 5 20 26 36 13 34 52
22 37 22
Strongly Agree Agree Vodafone EE Disagree Strongly Disagree O2 Tesco 64 No Opinion Other (<5%) Yes No Unsure
41% of respondents experience a good mobile signal with 57% not. 52% of respondents were for the erection of a telephone mast with 22% against. 41%43% of of respondents respondents are with experienceVodafone, followed a good by EE (26%)mobile and signalO2 (15% with). 57% not. Q81 43% of respondents are with Vodafone, followed by EE (26%)Are andyou aware O2 that(15%). the following organisations have websites? Support Erection of a Mobile Telephone Mast 52% of respondentsRespondents n= 100 were for the erection of a telephone mast with 22% against. 63
26
52 65 22
Yes No Unsure
52% of respondents were for the erection of a telephone mast with 22% against.
Q81 Are you aware that the following organisations have websites?
65 Q81 Are you aware that the following organisations have websites? Website Awareness - Number of Respondents (Overall n=88) Website Awareness - Number of Respondents (Overall n=88) The Abbots Elm 73 3
The Abbots Elm Abbots Ripton Farming Company 5773 7 3
Abbots Ripton Farming Company Abbots Ripton Village Facebook 42 57 13 7
Abbots Ripton Village Facebook The Parish Council 3942 1313
The Parish Council The Village Hall 3939 1613
The Village Hall 0% 10% 20% 30%3940% 50% 60% 70% 80%1690% 100%
0% 10%Yes20% No30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Mo Yes No The best-known website was that belonging to The Abbots Elm (96%). The least wellMo known was The Village Hall website with 16% of respondents unaware of its existence. The best-knownOverall,The website best knowledge-known waswebsite that of the belonging was main that websites be longingto The and to AbbotsFacebook The Abbots Elm pages Elm(96%). pertaining (96%). The The toleast leastthe Parish wellwell known was isknown very high.was The Village Hall website with 16% of respondents unaware of its existence. The Village HallOverall, website knowledge with 16% of the of main respondents websites and unaware Facebook of pages its existence. pertaining to Overall, the Parish knowledge of the main websitesis very and high. Facebook pages pertaining to the Parish is very high.
Q82 Q82 Would you likeWould to communicate you like to communicate electronically electronically with otherwith other organisations? organisations? Q82 Would you like to communicate electronically with other organisations? Electronic Communication Preference Number of Respondents (Overall n=88) Electronic Communication Preference Number of Respondents (Overall n=88) email 56 31
email 56 31 Facebook 36 46
Facebook 36 46 Twitter 11 61
Twitter 11 61 Other 2 44
Other 0%2 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%44 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40%Yes 50%No 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Yes No The preferred methodThe preferred of communication method of communication for the majorityfor the majority of respondents of respondents is isvia via email email andand even this even this shows a significant minority that do not prefer electronic means. Facebook shows a signifcantandThe Twitterpreferred minority are method less that well doof supportedcommunication not prefer although electronic for the it is majority worth means. noting of respondents Facebook that since isthe and via survey email Twitter and are less well supported althoughrequesteven this it the is shows worthAbbots a significant notingRipton Facebookthat minority since pagethat the do has survey not grown prefer requestin electronic popularity the means. and Abbots has Facebookmany Ripton more Facebook page has grownand in Twitter popularity are less and well has supported many although more followers it is worth notingthan at that the since time the the survey Survey was request the Abbots Ripton Facebook page has grown in popularity and has many more completed. Use of social media is fast moving and allows very easy and far reaching 66publicity for local events amongst those that access it regularly. 66
64 followers than at the time the Survey was completed. Use of social media is fast moving and allows very easy and far reaching publicity for local events amongst those that access it regularly.
Q83 & Q84 Q83 & Q84 The Ripton AreaThe NewsRipton isArea a greatNews isparish a great magazine parish magazine and Iand fnd I find it informative? it informative? Have you ever written an article for the Ripton Area News and would you write Have you everone? written an article for the Ripton Area News and would you write one?
RAN is a Great Magazine Contributions to the Ripton % of Respondents n=100 Area News 90 Number of respondents (n= 80 97) 70 32 60 21 23 50 40 30 52 20 59 10 2 9 0 5 AgreementDisagreementNo Opinion Have written an article Agree Strongly Agree Have not written an article Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion Willing to write an article 758%
84% of respondents84% of respondentsagreed that agreed The Riptonthat The Area Ripton News Area Newsis a greatis a great parish parish magazine magazine andand fnd it find it informative. 7% of respondents disagreed and 9% had no opinion. informative. 7% of respondents disagreed and 9% had no opinion. There were a numberThere were of acommon number of themes common thatthemes came that cameout of out the of 21the comments.21 comments. InIn general, the general, the publication is well regarded and is clearly valued by the respondents. publication is well regarded and is clearly valued by the respondents. • A number• of Arespondents number of respondents felt that thefelt that publication the publication needed needed to beto be re-energised re-energised and and revamped as it is not used for its full potential. revamped as it is not used for its full potential. • There were• aThere number were ofa number comments of comments that it needsthat it needs more more local local events, events, stories stories and and information and less adverts. One respondent suggested publishing an information andanalysis less of adverts. advertisement One income respondent vs. production suggested costs. publishing an analysis of advertisement income vs. production costs. • There were a few comments that the content and editorial was too personal. • There were a few comments that the content and editorial was too personal. • A substantial• A number substantial of numberpeople of commented people commented that Thethat TheRipton Ripton Area Area News News (RAN) requires (RAN) requires more support and a wider variety of people to contribute as it more supportis andthe same a wider people variety putting of the people work in. to contribute as it is the same people putting the work6 in. 60.8% of respondents said that they had never written an article, 23.7% had written an 60.8% of respondentsarticle and said 21.6 %that would they write had one neverin the writtenfuture. Thean article,numbers 23.7%in the pie had chart written will not an article and 21.6% would writeadd to one 97 as in answers the future. are not The exclusive, numbers someone in the that pie has chart contributed will not could add also to 97select as answers are not exclusive,that theysomeone will contribute that has in the contributed future. The lifecould blood also of the select Ripton that Area they News will is inputcontribute in the from the local community and groups and businesses engaged in the Parish. The Editor future. The life blood of the Ripton Area News is input from the local community and groups and businesses engaged in the Parish. The Editor is open to articles and information covering67 all aspects of village life so please feel free to dip your toe into local interest journalism.
65 is open to articles and information covering all aspects of village life so please feel free Q85 to dip your toe into local interest journalism. How often doQ85 you look at the parish noticeboards? How often do you look at the parish noticeboards? Overall do youOverall feel do that you youfeel that are you adequately are adequately communicated communicated with? with?
Regularity of reading Parish Adequacy of communication within Noticeboards the Parish Number of respondents (n= 97) Number of respondents (n= 98)
15 16 17
13 68 66
Often Occasionally Never Adequate Inadequate Unsure
84.5% said that they occasionally or regularly look at the parish noticeboards with 84.5% said that15.5 they% never occasionally looking. or regularly look at the parish noticeboards with 15.5% never looking. 69.4% said that they did feel that they were adequately communicated with, 13.3% of respondents did not feel this to be the case and 17.4% were unsure. 69.4% said that they did feel that they were adequately communicated with, 13.3% of respondents did not feel thisThere to be were the 12 case comments and 17.4% (out of 98were responde unsure.nts). Requests were made that the Parish Council needs to be more pro-active in their communications and that email notification There were 12should comments be used. (out of 98 respondents). Requests were made that the Parish Council needs to be more pro-active in their communications and that email notifcation should be used.
Recommendations/Actions arising from Survey responses to Section 9 Communication Infrastructure.
Summary On the whole the feedback was that the parish generally experiences good broadband but there were a number of comments about the inconsistency of broadband speeds throughout the parish. There was greater dissatisfaction with regards to mobile signal with a significant majority of parishioners supporting the erection of a telephone mast if it were to help mobile signal. However, since the Parish Plan questionnaire there have already been some improvements with areas of the parish now getting 4G. Generally, parishioners were aware of websites and were happy with communications although some would like communication via email. Parishioners generally felt that the Ripton Area News (RAN) was an excellent communications tool.
Recommended actions for consideration based on the survey responses are:
Issue: Patchy and variable broadband speeds. A number of Parishioners also do not understand what the current speeds are and whether they currently have the fibre optic upgrade. 68
66 Recommendations/Actions arising from Survey responses to Section 9 Communication Infrastructure. Summary On the whole the feedback was that the Parish generally experiences good broadband but there were a number of comments about the inconsistency of broadband speeds throughout the Parish. There was greater dissatisfaction with regards to mobile signal with a signifcant majority of parishioners supporting the erection of a telephone mast if it were to help mobile signal. However, since the Parish Plan questionnaire there have already been some improvements with areas of the parish now getting 4G. Generally, parishioners were aware of websites and were happy with communications although some would like communication via email. Parishioners generally felt that the Ripton Area News (RAN) was an excellent communications tool. Recommended actions for consideration based on the survey responses are:
Issue: Patchy and variable broadband speeds. A number of parishioners also do not understand what the current speeds are and whether they currently have the fbre optic upgrade.
Recommended solution(s): • PC to lobby telecom providers for improvements to further develop the broadband service in the Parish. • PC to communicate with parishioners on broadband in the Parish. • The RAN to be used as a communications tool.
Stakeholders PC HDC County ARFCo Other
Yes Yes Yes RAN/websites
Priority Med
Issue: Poor mobile signal in the Parish.
Recommended solution(s): • PC, to lobby telecoms companies however situation has already improved with 4G reception in the Parish.
Stakeholders Local/PC HDC County ARFCo Other
Yes Yes Yes
Priority Medium
Resources / funding required: No major funding required.
Expected outcome: In time, increased mobile coverage.
67 Recommended Next Step: Contact with relevant personnel.
Issue: The majority of parishioners would like to communicate with organisations in the village via email. Recommended solution(s): PC to look at options and advise on viability given data protection rules etc.
Stakeholders Local/PC HDC County ARFCo Other
Yes
Priority Medium
Resources/ Funding Required: No major funding required.
Expected Outcome: Easier access to information pertaining to the parish and village activities.
Recommended Next Step: Access to information electronically is currently available through the following media: PC Website address: http://abbotsripton.org.uk/parish-council/ Village Facebook page: Group Name: Abbots Ripton Village Village Hall Website: http://www.abbotsriptonvillagehall.co.uk Abbots Ripton Estate Website: http://www.arfco.co.uk These are in addition to the Local Government websites for HDC & Planning.
PC to investigate feasibility of an email notifcation system with a link to their website for updates to remind subscribers of changes to the website.
68 Section 10 – Governance. Questions 87-91 Section 10 – Governance. Q87 & Q88 Questions 87-91 The Parish CouncilQ87 & Q88 keeps the parishioners well informed. The Parish Council keeps the parishioners well informed. Parish CouncilParish decision-making Council decision is-making transparent is transparent and open. and open.
Well Informed Transparent & Open % of Respondents n=97 % of Respondents n=96 70 50 45 60 8.2 7.3 40 50 35 40 30 25 30 57.7 20 39.6 36.5 20 4.1 15 5.1 10 10 13.4 16.5 5 11.5 0 0 Agreement Disagreement No Opinion Agreement Disagreement No Opinion
Agree Strongly Agree Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Disagree Strongly Disagree No Opinion No Opinion
65.9% said that they did feel that the Parish Council kept parishioners well informed. 17.5% of 65.9% said that they did feel that the Parish Council kept parishioners well informed. respondents did17.5 not% offeel respondents this to be did the not case feel this and to be16.5% the case were and unsure. 16.5% were unsure. There were 12There comments were 12 with comments a number with a requestingnumber requesting that thethat Parish the Parish Council Council needed needed toto communicate more effectively with parishioners. Not all respondents were not aware communicate morethat the effectively Parish Council with had parishioners. a website or that Not it displaysall respondents the Parish wereCouncil not minutes. aware 3 that the Parish Councilcomments had a website said that or the that Parish it displays Council cou theld Parishuse The Council RAN to better minutes. effect. 3 comments said that the Parish Council could use The RAN to better effect. 46.9% felt that the Parish Council’s decision-making was transparent and open. 16.7% 46.9% felt thatof the respondents Parish Council’s did not agree decision-making and a fairly high 36.5%was transparent were unsure. and open. 16.7% of respondents did not agree and a fairly high 36.5% were unsure. There were a number of mixed comments but a common theme was not knowing what There were a numberdecisions ofare mixed being madecomments on parishioners’ but a commonbehalf and theme not aware was of not when knowing meetings what are decisions are being madeheld. on parishioners’ behalf and not aware of when meetings are held.
Q89 & Q90 How often do Q89you& attend Q90 Parish Council Meetings? How often do you attend Parish Council Meetings? Would you attendWould a you quarterly attend a morequarterly informal more informal ‘surgery’ ‘surgery’ run byrun theby the Parish Parish Council? Council?
Parish Council Meeting Attendance Attendance of in Informal "Surgery" % Respondents (n= 99) % Respondents (n= 97) 4.1 19.2 38.1 71 43.3
76.7 18.6
Often Occasionally Never Yes No Unsure
A high proportion (76.7%) of respondents have never attended a Parish Council meeting. 23.3% said that they occasionally or often attend. 69
There were quite a large number of comments (24 out of 99 respondents). A number of respondents said that they did not know about the Parish Council meetings or had not appreciated that the meetings were open to members of the public. Some respondents commented that even they could attend they didn’t have enough time and felt meeting times were inconvenient. They were a couple of respondents who were doubtful that their involvement could change the decision making.
43.3% felt that they would attend a quarterly informal ‘surgery’ run by the Parish Council. 18.6% of respondents would not 38.14% were unsure.
Q91 Would you be willing to become a Parish Councillor in the future?
Willingness to Stand for the Parish Council % Respondents n=97
24.7
75.2
Yes No
72 Q89 & Q90 How often do you attend Parish Council Meetings? Would you attend a quarterly more informal ‘surgery’ run by the Parish Council?
Parish Council Meeting Attendance Attendance of in Informal "Surgery" % Respondents (n= 99) % Respondents (n= 97) 4.1 19.2 38.1 43.3
76.7 18.6 A high proportion (76.7%) of respondents have never attended a Parish Council meeting. 23.3% Often Occasionally Never Yes No Unsure said that they occasionally or often attend. There were quite a large number of comments (24 out of 99 respondents). A number of respondents saidA high that proportion they did (76.7%) not know of respondents about the have Parishnever Council attended meetingsa Parish Council or had not appreciated meeting. 23.3% said that they occasionally or often attend. that the meetings were open to members of the public. Some respondents commented that even if they could attendThere theywere quitedidn’t a largehave number enough of commentstime and (24felt out meeting of 99 respondents). times were A inconvenient.number of There were a couple respondentsof respondents said that who they were did not doubtful know about that the their Parish involvement Council meetings could or change had not the decision making. appreciated that the meetings were open to members of the public. Some respondents commented that even they could attend they didn’t have enough time and felt meeting 43.3% felt thattimes they were would inconvenient. attend a quarterly They were informala couple of ‘surgery’ respondents run who by werethe Parish doubtful Council. that 18.6% of respondents wouldtheir involvement not 38.14% could were change unsure. the decision making. 43.3% felt that they would attend a quarterly informal ‘surgery’ run by the Parish Council. 18.6% of respondents would not 38.14% were unsure. Q91 Q91 Would you beWould willing you to be become willing to a become Parish a CouncillorParish Council inl orthein thefuture? future?
Willingness to Stand for the Parish Council % Respondents n=97
24.7
75.2
Yes No
A large majority would not consider becoming a Parish Councillor (75.2%) however 24.8%72 of respondents would, showing a healthy number of people willing to engage in local issues and the interface to local government. Election details for the Parish Council are published on Local Authority websites and existing members of the Parish Council would be happy to advise potential candidates.
Aerial view of Abbots Ripton
70 Recommendations/Actions arising from Survey responses to Section 10 – Governance. Summary The majority of parishioners felt that the Parish Council keeps parishioners well informed however many people did not understand the workings of the Parish Council or that the meetings were open for parishioners to attend. A number of parishioners said that they would like to see an informal ‘PC’ surgery and almost a quarter of respondents said that they would be interested in becoming a Parish Councillor in the future. Recommended actions for consideration based on the survey responses are:
Issue: A need for better understanding as to the role of the Parish Council and Parish Councillors and their responsibilities.
Recommended Actions: Investigate the setting up of an informal ‘PC surgery’ (Q&A session) and more advertising for future PC roles. Make improvements to the Parish Council Website to better illustrate the workings of the Parish Council.
Stakeholders Local/PC HDC County ARFCo Other
Yes
Priority High
Resources / Funding Required: Communications via the RAN / website and possible Village Hall meeting. Expected Outcome: Parishioners to gain a better insight into the workings of the Parish Council.
Recommended Next Step: PC members to act on the recommendations above.
71 How your Parish Plan will be taken forward.
The creation of the Parish Plan for Abbots Ripton and Wennington will help residents shape the way in which the Parish will evolve over the next 10 years or more. By having a collective voice, representative of the views of the Parish, we have created a point of reference for all future consultations and decision making where our collective opinion is relevant and should be known. Normal planning consultations and approval processes will always apply and create opportunity for further direct individual or group involvement through our Parish Council. Our Parish Plan document adds weight to the advocacy that we expect the Parish Council to apply when long term strategy is being developed and decisions are made.
Our Parish Plan is a vital information source for District Council Local Plan development over a 20- year period covering important issues of housing, local infrastructure and road development.
We hope you will engage with Parish Council members and other groups to ensure that our plan has an active life and remains relevant to the needs of our community.
The Parish Plan Committee:
Caroline Hannah Steve Brown Adrian Wardman Nick Bolton Robin Howe Freddie Fellows Robert Mull James Heading
72 Appendix I
Reservoir HALL LANE HALL FB Pond 34.0m BM 34.27m BM Hall Farm Hall Lodge Cottage Grid Cattle Pond FB Hall Ripton Abbots
29.9m
Court Drain
Tennis
Cottage Drain
FB Hall Farm Hall
HALL LANE HALL Stables Pond BM 26.98m Cattle Grid Cattle Pumping Station Pumping
B 1090
Cottage Chestnut
Track
2 1 Pump House Pump
PumpingStation 30.1m Pond
Reservoir Hall Farm Hall
Path (um) 30.5m Issues GP Green Farm Green
Farm Grove Drain 4
3 Cottage Green Farm Green
Rooks Close 2 Rooks Grove Rooks
3 1 1 30.4m
The Rookery Green The Pond
FB Drain FB Ponds
Track 29.05m BM Pond
Hall
Timber Cottage Timber Path (um) Drain Drain Ponds Cricket Ground Cricket 38.9m Moat House Moat
Pond View Hill FB Path (um)
2a 1 Track
Moat Cottages
6
B 1090 B
3 1
29.2m
2 MOAT LANE MOAT Rivendell Ppg Sta Ppg Abbots Ripton Abbots Hall Terracotta White Gates
1 29.5m
Three 3 Horseshoes GP
Pond 2
1 Home Drain Farmhouse Rose Cottage Home Farm Home 5 4
Drain Close
7 TCB Audley Cottages White Home Farm Home Cottage PO 30.7m 1
1 B 1090 FOXENFIELDS C of E School E of C Abbots Ripton Abbots Sluice
Swimming Pool Swimming
Pond BM 37.93m BM
1 ElmLodge
9 LANE RECTORY
37.5m Drain The CLOSE 36.4m Rectory BM 35.62m BM
RECTORY 4 FARM El Sub Sta Sub El St Andrew's Church Andrew's St Car Park Car
Rectory Farm Rectory
3 1 Track 31.5m Rectory Farm Cottage
2 Drain
9 4
B 1090
WOOD
1
DOVEHOUSE Track 8
Drain7 Track Map by Dean Bloom. Dean by Map © Crown Copyright
Controller of HMSO STATION ROAD CAMBRIDGSHIRE Drain
Scale 1:5,500 @ A4 @ 1:5,500 Scale 12 Licence No. ES 100018525
39.3m Land-line with permission of the BM Drain 40.42m THE ABBOTS RIPTON ESTATE Based on Ordnance Survey 1:2500 Cottage Ripton
MP .5
Drain Sluice
The Gatehouse The 73 Appendix II
Drain Path (um) Path Wennington Pond Pond
Wennington Hall Wennington Celtic Cottage Celtic Acorn Cottage Acorn Royal Oak Cottage Oak Royal Pond
Cottage Corner Pond Cottage Pond Pond
Cottage Cottage
Wild Wood
Crosses Pond Hill
KeepersCottage
Farmhouse
GP Plain House Plain
4
6 LB 43.2m
Hill Farm Hill 1 Manor Cottage Pond Pond
TCB
2 1 Hill Farm Hill Weavers
Cottages Drain
Pond Manor Farm Manor Merlins 45.0m Hopper Silo Map by Dean Bloom. Dean by Map © Crown Copyright Controller of HMSO CAMBRIDGSHIRE Scale 1:2,000 @ A4 @ 1:2,000 Scale Licence No. ES 100018525 Land-line with permission of the THE ABBOTS RIPTON ESTATE Based on Ordnance Survey 1:2500
74
In Memory of
In loving memory of our dear friend James Heading who sadly died as the Parish Plan was nearing completion and who will be sorely missed.
James was a true community man. He cared deeply about the residents of Abbots Ripton and Wennington and about the countryside in and around the Parish. He worked tirelessly for many years as Chair of the Parish Council. He was a warm and friendly yet modest man who believed in building relationships and the benefts of a collaborative approach. We would like to acknowledge and thank him posthumously on behalf of the Parish for his tremendous personal contribution.
James was an active early member of the Parish Plan team and he ardently believed that each and every one of us can make a real difference and shape our community. He very much believed in the benefts of a Parish Plan that refects the majority opinion of the residents.