Templepatrick Village Plan Introduction Village Renewal Measure

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

Village Renewal Scheme • > Derelict and vacant site enhancement > Environmental improvements • Co-Operation Scheme > Shop frontage enhancements > Conservation and upgrading of rural culture and heritage (natural and built), except monuments and wall murals which will not be considered eligible for funding > Gateway projects

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

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

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

4 5 Village Overview Village Planning Process

Templepatrick is a village located 6 miles east of Antrim and 14 miles north west of In order to review and update the village plan for Templepatrick, a number of key steps have Belfast, along the route between the city of Belfast and Belfast International Airport. been completed, including: Templepatrick has become a popular commuter village given its location, with considerable growth in the number of homes in the area over the past number of • Village walkabout – representatives from Templepatrick Action Community years and a number of planned housing developments that are in construction or Association (TACA) along with the consultant team identified and discussed key have been granted planning permission. areas and issues for Templepatrick during a site visit. This was an opportunity to highlight areas of noted concern in the village and to explore initial ideas or The village is well served by local services such as Templepatrick Primary School, proposed plans for improvement Templepatrick GP Surgery, Templepatrick Dental Surgery and local shops and businesses based at the “Twelfth Milestone” development. Situated on the same site • It was agreed with TACA that the public consultation element of the planning as Templepatrick Primary School is Wallace Park, an Antrim and Newtownabbbey Borough Council owned facility that offers play park, walking trail and MUGA play fa- process would include opportunities for resident input via the online community cilities for local community usage. Due to population increases and the growing num- network set up for Templepatrick residents via the “Next Door” site. This is one of ber of homes in the area, these local services and facilities are in high demand. This the key methods used by TACA for feedback from residents, learning about issues would be an area of concern for many local residents and stakeholders in the village. and distributing information on community activities or relevant topics

Under the Rural Development Programme 2007 – 2013, significant funding was • Another key element of the consultation process was hosting a facilitated meeting secured to enhance the facilities available at Wallace Park. The investment creat- for representatives from local community and church organisations represented ed a high quality play park facility for local children and families and to date it has on the local community network. The meeting offered an opportunity for these been noted by local residents, funders and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough organisations to engage in the planning process and offer their views in terms of Council as a major success for the village. With Templepatrick Primary School located key issues and priorities for the village and development proposals for the next alongside the Park, this area has become a central hub of community, play and 3-5 year period recreational activity in Templepatrick for residents of all ages. In the evenings the primary school building is used as a meeting space by local community • Distribution of a questionnaire to local residents to obtain feedback on an individual organisations whilst the Park is used daily by children and families (for the play park basis from as many local residents as possible facilities) and is also a very popular walking area given that it is one of the few safe areas for walking in the village. This consultation process with local residents and stakeholders has been a central element of the village planning process. The plan has been finalised post the consultation process via engagement with the TACA committee to feedback key findings from the consultation process, agree priority projects to be advanced for Templepatrick and identify key actions required to advance priorities.

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Consultation Findings & Analysis • Wallace Park – the park is widely regarded as a very successful local community Community Network Meeting resource. However, there were a number of issues outlined in relation to its further development: The community network meeting was attended by 22 people including representa- tives from Templepatrick Action Community Association, local churches, Templepatrick > A central element of feedback and discussion focussed on the need for the toilet Primary School Parent Teacher Association and local walking groups. The meeting enabled pavilion within the park to be reopened. This would make the park more accessible representatives from these active local groups (representatives are also local residents) to to local children and families input into the process, identifying priority issues and developments for the village. The meeting was also an opportunity to review the initial findings and feedback from the > It was also suggested that tea, coffee and / or ice cream community questionnaire and village walkabout which has helped informed areas for facilities would complement the current offer at the park and this should be development within the village plan. explored as an option particularly for the Spring and Summer months

The community network meeting allowed for group discussion and comment based on the following key questions: > It was proposed that the current MUGA facility surface could be upgraded to a synthetic 3G or 4G surface. This would improve and help to increase usage of the • What they feel are key issues or priorities for Templepatrick? facility • What potential physical improvements they feel could be completed in the area? > It was noted that additional lighting would significantly improve the park, particularly for usage of the walking area. This is important as there are limited • Views on current, previous or new activities and events that could be safe walking areas for residents in Templepatrick delivered in Templepatrick for community benefit?

Traffic was noted as an issue of major concern, with specific issues including: • Potential impact of planned housing developments – it was noted that planning permission has been granted for a number of new housing developments that • Very high volume of traffic through Templepatrick due to its location on the would add several hundred new homes to the village. This is a concern for local Belfast International Airport route and the A6 also pushes traffic closer to residents as key local services such as Templepatrick Primary School and GP the village surgery are already under significant pressure

• The island crossing on the main road through Templepatrick was identified as Concern was noted in relation to drainage given that large sections of land around the village a traffic hazard were not covered by the Rivers Agency. Concern was focused on:

• Issues with signage and street lighting being out of order in places were • The risk of flooding as there is a section of land around the village that isnot maintained by any public body or private landowner identified as hazards for drivers, particularly those that are not familiar with local roads • Additional housing developments planned for the area will lead to more pressure on this system

8 9 Potential Physical Improvements Other issues noted from the meeting: The following list of potential physical improvements were noted from the community • There is a need to create more safe places to walk in the village network meeting:

• Some participants noted a lack of youth provision in the village, however, it was suggested that there is a wide range of provision and the issue may be communication • Refurbishment works to the toilet pavilion in Wallace Park (out of order at the time of the consultation process) • General issues such as overgrown trees along key sections of road, potholes that require repair in a number of places and the need for better maintenance of • Surface upgrade to the MUGA facility in Wallace Park, from the current MUGA green spaces within the village surface to a synthetic grass 3G or 4G surface

• Enhanced or additional lighting in Wallace Park

• Installation of traffic calming measures within the village area

• General improvements including repair of potholes and removal / cutting of overgrown trees

• Explore the potential to improve access to green space within the village and the river area

• Installation of a sculpture or feature for the village

• Improve use of the central notice board for the village

• General improvements in drainage – concern at potential future risk of flooding in some areas and also the potential impact on road safety

• Improvements to the pathway leading from Templepatrick to Parkgate – including expanding the path to cover the full route between Templepatrick and Parkgate

10 11 Community Questionnaire Respondents were asked to rate a list of issues relating to health, well being and environment as “major issues”, “of some concern” and “no concern” based upon their views A total of 48 responses were received to the questionnaire distributed to local residents and and experience living in Templepatrick: The following responses were received: some of the key findings include: Issues deemed to be • Traffic 32= responses (68.1%) • 85% of respondents (41 people) indicated that they have been living in the village for “major concerns” at least 5 years • Parking = 15 responses (31.9%) • Broadband = 13 responses (27.7%) • When asked to rate quality of life within the village, 79% of respondents (38 people) Issues deemed to be • Traffic 45= responses (95.7%) stated quality of life in the village is good or very good “major” or of “some • Parking = 35 responses (74.5%) concern” • Litter, dog fouling, graffiti = 37 responses (78.7%) When asked to identify issues that affect quality of life within the village, the following were Anti-social behaviour = the top 3 responses received (respondents were asked to mark all relevant issues from a pro- • 34 responses (72.3%) vided list): • Access to services = 36 responses (76.6%)

• Transport issues e.g. road safety, parking, roads condition = 29 respondents (60.4%)

• Community facilities = 25 respondents (52.1%) When asked to identify community services, activities or events people • Facilities and services or opportunities for young people = 19 respondents (39.6%) would like to see prioritised for the area, the most popular responses were (respondents could mark up Respondents were also asked to identify the number one issue affecting quality of life in the to 3 responses): village. The most popular responses were: • Community = 39.6% of • Transport issues e.g. road safety, parking, roads condition = 20 respondents (41.7%) events responses

• Activities for = 39.6% of • Facilities and services or opportunities for older people = 7 respondents (14.6%) young responses people • Facilities and services or opportunities for young people = 5 respondents (10.4%) • Road safety = 39.6% of initiatives responses When asked to identify and rank priorities for physical improvements within Templepatrick, the top 3 priorities ranked by respondents were:

• Improving the general appearance of the village

• Additional shops

• Community building / hall

12 13 Actions to Progress Priorities Priority Projects for Templepatrick Community Facilities On the basis of the process undertaken, the potential projects and issues that were deemed Further development of Wallace Park, to include: most important for local people, the following key priorities have been identified for action • Refurbishment and upgrade works to the toilet pavilion within the village over the next 3-5 year period: Action Stakeholders Potential Resources Funders required Community Facilities Meet with Council Officers to explore TACA Antrim and Volunteer time the potential for development of the Newtownabbey Further development of the facilities at Wallace Park. To include: pavilion to bring it back into public Borough usage. Discussion to include: Council • Refurbishment and upgrade works to the toilet pavilion, including exploring the • Agree the process to take forward the option of cafe type facilities project and roles of the Council and Antrim and GROW Village Antrim and TACA within Newtownabbey Renewal Newtownabbey Upgrade of the current MUGA surface to a synthetic 3G or similar • Borough Measure Borough surface • Discuss any potential issues in Council Council Officer completing the project Time • Improved lighting and additional seating within the Park • Discuss potential funding opportunities to complete the project Creation of a fenced off “dog area” within the park • Work through the following actions to Technical develop and complete the project: Assistance 1. Secure funding to appoint an Costs Village Improvements architect to develop plans and list of works to refurbish the building • Design and installation of a feature for the village linked to local history 2. Appoint and work with the architect Capital Works to develop the detail of refurbishment Costs Broader Issues to Address for the Village works to be completed 3. Make applications to relevant fund- • Housing developments planned for the area and potential impact on current ing bodies for the costs of the works services and facilities (highlighting the support for the project within the village via TACA and the village plan) • Traffic calming measures within Templepatrick 4. Secure funding and complete the necessary procurement processes • General issues relating to road conditions, 5. Appoint contractor(s) and oversee drainage and maintenance of roadside areas the completion of the project 6. Have a launch event for the re-open- ing of the building once the project has • Creation of a pathway / cycle way from been completed Templepatrick to Parkgate,including improvement works to the current footpath Post the completion of the project, complete the following actions: 1. Promote the work completed via the • Support any campaign or lobby for a train route project to support additional local com- from Belfast International Airport to Belfast munity usage of Wallace Park 2. Work with all local stakeholders to develop activities and events to be held in the Park and secure funding for these activities where possible 15 14 Community Facilities • Improved lighting and additional seating within the Park Further development of Wallace Park, to include: • Creation of a fenced off “dog area” within the Park • Upgrade of the current MUGA surface to a synthetic 3G or similar surface

Action Stakeholders Potential Resources Action Stakeholders Potential Resources Funders required Funders required Meet with Council Officers to explore TACA Antrim and Volunteer Meet with Council Officers to explore TACA Antrim and Volunteer Time the potential for upgrade of the MUGA Newtownabbey Time the potential to complete the projects Newtownabbey surface. Discussion to include: Antrim and Borough and agree: Borough Council Council • Agree the process to take forward the Newtownabbey • The viability of each proposed project and roles of the Council and Borough improvement Antrim and TACA within Council Antrim and TACA • The Council process and potential Newtownabbey Newtownabbey • Discuss any potential issues in Sport NI Antrim and issues in completing the projects Borough Borough completing the project Newtownabbey • Agree any information that TACA can Council Council • Discuss potential funding Borough provide to help support the need for Officer time opportunities to complete the project Council the improvements Officer time Capital works Work through the following actions to costs develop and complete the project: TACA to work with Antrim and Technical 1. Secure funding to appoint a relevant Newtownabbey Borough Council to Assistance professional to develop plans and op- take the project forward and complete Costs tions to upgrade the surface required actions 2. Appoint design professional to pro- duce options and costs for upgrade of Upon completion of any project, the surface Capital works promote the improvements made to 3. Consult with the local community costs help raise awareness and generate regarding the preferred surface option additional local community usage of and to identify potential levels of usage the Park 4. Make applications to relevant fund- ing bodies for the costs of the works (highlighting the support for the project within the village via TACA and the village plan 5. Secure funding and complete the necessary procurement processes 6. Appoint contractor and oversee the completion of the project 7. Have a launch event for the re-opening of the facility once the pro- ject has been completed

Post the completion of the project, TACA Antrim and Volunteer complete the following actions: Newtownabbey time 1. Promote the upgraded facility for Antrim and Borough local community usage Newtownabbey Council Event and 2. Work with all local stakeholders to Borough Activity costs develop activities and events to be held Council TACA in the Park and secure funding for these activities where possible

16 17 Village Improvements Broader Issues to Address for the Village

• Traffic calming measures within Templepatrick • Design and installation of a feature for the village linked to local history • General issues relating to road conditions, drainage and

maintenance of roadside areas

• Creation of a pathway / cycle way from Templepatrick to Parkgate, Action Stakeholders Potential Resources including improvement works to the current footpath Funders required Action Stakeholders Potential Resources Funders required Engage with Antrim and TACA Antrim and Volunteer, Newtownabbey Borough Council Newtownabbey Antrim and Department Borough Newtownabbey officers and public representatives TACA Department for Volunteer Time for Council Borough Engage with Department for to agree key milestones to take Infrastructure officials and public Infrastructure the project forward. To include: Infrastructure Council Officer and public representatives to assess the Antrim and Public • Potential costs of the project Public representative potential for each of the projects Newtownabbey Representative representatives time to be brought forward and to • Any Antrim and Newtownabbey discuss any key milestones such Borough Time Council Borough Council funding Capital costs for as: opportunities for the project the village • Internal departmental process feature or that must be completed • Any permissions that are Public Antrim and sculpture required in order to complete • Potential costs of each project representatives Newtownabbey Borough Council Participate in any related Council • Any additional information that consultation exercises such as: TACA can provide to support the process • Community Planning Department for Work with public representatives Infrastructure Work with Antrim and to lobby for the improvements Officer Time Newtownabbey Borough Council through all available channels, officers and public representatives including: to complete necessary design and cost exercises • Department for Infrastructure Liaise with Antrim and • Antrim and Newtownabbey Newtownabbey Borough Council Borough Council officers to ensure that the community is consulted as / when • MLAs and any other relevant any works are completed political representatives Liaise with Department for Raise awareness of the installed Infrastructure officials or relevant item within the local community funder officers to ensure that the and via local media and promote community is consulted as / when the work of the TACA, Antrim and any works are to be completed Newtownabbey Borough Council or funders to secure improvements for the village

18 19 Broader Issues to Address for the Village Project Overview • Housing developments planned for the area and potential impact on The village plan was developed during the period October 2016 through to March current services and facilities 2017. A key element in the development of the plan was identifying a priority project that could be brought forward to seek funding from the Rural Development Programme Village Renewal Measure. The project put forward by TACA under this Action Stakeholders Resources measure was the refurbishment and development of the toilet pavilion in Wallace required Park. A snapshot of the works to be completed, key aims and proposed benefits of the project are detailed: Ensure that the community is well TACA Volunteer Time Works to be completed: represented in any relevant public consultation exercises that relate to the The project prioritised through the village planning process is the upgrade and planning process including future Antrim and Public refurbishment of the toilet pavilion within Wallace Park. The building has fallen into a state planning applications in the village area Newtownabbey Representative Borough Time of disrepair and is not currently open to the public whilst they are using the walking path, Council children’s play park and MUGA facilities. Whilst the investment in the Park to create these facilities under the previous Rural Development Programme has been very successful (extremely high usage figures captured by the electronic counters placed at the entrance Public of the Park), toilet facilities are a major issue that residents have raised consistently since representatives the upgraded Park was opened and was detailed throughout the village plan consultation. Residents value the Park as a community facility but this is the main area of improvement that they would like to see actioned.

• Participate in any campaign or lobby supporting the construction of a In addition to completing work to bring the toilets up to standard so that they can be opened train route from Belfast International Airport to Belfast again to the public, the community would also like to explore the possibility of creating a small area within the building from where tea and coffee could be served from. This could be a viable option during the Spring and Summer months and would enhance Park users’ Action Stakeholders Resources experience. The development could also have an economic benefit with potential to create required a part time or casual employment position during these months.

Continue to engage with key TACA Volunteer Time stakeholders including Translink, the Key Benefits: Belfast International Airport management Key Aims: team, Department for Infrastructure and Department Stakeholder • Enhance the facilities available at public representatives in relation to the for representatives • To bring the Wallace Park toilet pavilion Wallace Park and helping to support it as potential to construct the train route or Infrastructure time back into usage for park users a hub of activity for children, families explore other traffic management and people of all ages solutions that would benefit the village Translink • To create a tea, coffee and refreshments and local residents serving area within the pavilion to • Add to the high levels of usage already Public complement current facilities taking place and improve users’ representatives experience • To encourage more use of the Park for community events • Encourage more people to use the Park regularly for leisure and recreation

• Ensure that the Park is “family friendly”

20 21 Next Steps and Delivering the Plan

The village planning process has achieved a considerable amount of input from local A number of potential funders have been noted in the document community residents and has been supported by TACA throughout all stages. however this represents only a small selection of funding opportunities that are or Importantly, a series of potential projects have been identified that can be brought forward by will become available over the lifetime of the village plan. It is recommended that TACA, local community stakeholders, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and funding proposals are advanced in line with the projects identified and relevant statutory bodies. In order to advance the village plan, attract investment and support the funding opportunities as they become available. This may include opportunities such as: delivery of the priority projects identified, it is important that an update on the village plan is incorporated into the monthly meetings of TACA, in line with the practical actions outlined • GROW funding programmes within the Rural Development Programme within this document. TACA should also keep village residents updated of progress and • Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council annual funding programmes any short, medium or long term successes as part of its ongoing activities, via social media accounts and the online community network which has been set up. This will help to • Big Lottery funding programmes bring a focus to achieving the priorities within the document whilst also retaining wider • Department for Infrastructure funding programmes community support and input. • Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs funding programmes As a community organisation established to ensure that the community has a voice • Public Health Agency or Northern Health and Social Care funding programmes and is aware of key issues impacting on the area, TACA is well placed to lead on the delivery of the village plan. TACA has a track record for delivering successful community • Funding opportunities through umbrella organisations such as South Antrim initiatives since its establishment in 2005 and over this period has developed relationships Community with key stakeholders including public representatives, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough • Network and the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland Council, Belfast International Airport, local businesses and statutory agencies. Feedback throughout the consultation process highlighted the value local residents placed upon the annual programme of community activities and events organised by TACA and other local community organisations and churches. It is important that this work continues and is built upon alongside any improvements to the village realised during the lifetime of the plan. It is important that TACA and other relevant local stakeholders continue to engage with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council structures such as Community Planning, to outline local issues and priorities for the village and where possible help to drive investment to projects as detailed within the plan.

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